Symptoms of Bone Infection

The medical term for bone infection is osteomyelitis, which can affect bones of any part of the body. Accordingly, its symptoms can manifest in different parts of the body, depending on the location of the infected bone. So, if the jawbone gets infected, the symptoms like, pain and swelling can be evident in the mouth and the jaw area. However, the basic symptoms of osteomyelitis are same. Infection of the bone is usually caused by bacteria, but sometimes, fungus and other microorganisms can also be responsible for causing the infection.

Causes of Osteomyelitis
As mentioned already, bacteria is the main causative agent for bone infection. More commonly, it is caused by the bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus. Other microorganisms like, Group A and B Streptococcus, Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae and Salmonella also can cause this condition. Infection can even spread to the bones from the surrounding infected tissues.

Even infection of other parts of the body such as, urinary tract infection can spread to the bones through the bloodstream. Severe traumatic injury to the bones, which causes the specific bone to protrude through the skin can lead to infection. Sometimes, orthopedic surgeries such knee replacement or hip replacement surgeries, where metal rods or plates are placed on the bone can cause osteomyelitis. Conditions like, diabetes and peripheral arterial disease can raise the risk of this infection.

Symptoms of Osteomyelitis
Though bone infection can affect the bones of any part of the body, the long bones of the leg and the upper arm, and the bones of the spine are more likely to get infected. Osteomyelitis of the long bones of the arm and the legs is more common among children, while in adults, the bones of the spine are more likely to get infected. The most common symptoms are, bone pain, swelling, redness and warmth of the affected area. Its symptoms in foot can include, swollen ankles, foot and the legs, along with pain and redness of the affected area.

If infection occurs in the jawbone or in the mouth, then a few additional symptoms can be observed. Jawbone infection can be caused by periodontal diseases and dental procedures like, tooth extraction. Its symptoms in jaw or in the mouth can include jaw pain and numbness. If it is associated with periodontal disease, then tooth loss and pus or drainage from the gums can occur.

Apart from the usual symptoms of pain and swelling, bone infection can cause general discomfort or malaise, fever, excessive sweating and chills. Fever is more commonly observed in children. Children suffering from osteomyelitis can become easily irritable and lethargic. If the infection of the surrounding tissues has spread to the bone, then build up of pus and abscess can be observed in the affected area. Sometimes, pus like fluid can come out from the skin as well. Adults with osteomyelitis can also experience back pain. A severe infection can weaken and damage the affected bone to cause breakage.

Treatment for Osteomyelitis
It is usually treated with antibiotics. Along with antibiotics, the affected area needs to be cleaned surgically, especially when pus or abscess has formed in that area. This is known as surgical debridement. Along with the pus or fluid, the infected tissues and the diseased part of the bone are also removed in this procedure. Sometimes, amputation can be required to prevent further spread of the infection.

It needs to be treated promptly, as it can lead to complications like, bone death and septic arthritis, if left untreated. In children, infection of the bone can also impair normal growth. To prevent such complications, these symptoms should be brought under the notice of a physician as soon as possible.