About 2-5 per 10,000 people have bone infections including Las Vegas arthritis. The condition is also called osteomyelitis, a painful bone infection that causes swelling. It can occur when bacteria or fungi enter a bone from the bloodstream or surrounding tissue. Children, older people, and diabetes patients are most at risk. Osteomyelitis is treatable through the use of surgery. This context will help you know about bone infections.
What causes bone infection?
The most common cause of bone infection is bacteria called staphylococcus auras. The bacteria travel through the bloodstream and cause infection. Germs can get into your body through deep cuts or wounds, causing infections in nearby bones. If your bone has broken severely, sticking out your skin will enter germs, causing osteomyelitis. During surgeries, your body contacts pathogens when replacing joints or bone fracture repair.
What are the symptoms of osteomyelitis?
The first symptom you will experience is a pain in the area of infection. Other symptoms you will have include:
- Swelling and redness in the affected area
- Fever and chills and sweating
- Irritability and fatigue
- Stiffness or inability to walk
- Drainage from an open wound near the infection
- Skin discoloration
- Swelling of legs and ankles
Can you prevent osteomyelitis?
Reducing the risk of infection will help you minimize developing a bone infection. Clean any cuts or open wounds thoroughly. If your impairment does not recover with home remedies, visit your doctor for examination. Check your damages for any signs of infection. Use the appropriate footwear and protective gear in your daily activities to avoid injuries. Avoid injecting illegal drugs into your body. If you have diabetes, seek medical attention for any feet issues.
Osteomyelitis treatment
Treatment of osteomyelitis will be determined by; the severity of your condition, age, health status, medical history, and effects of different medical procedures on your body. Treatment includes:
- Medications. You will be required to use antibiotics or antifungal medications. They are administered orally or through intravenous injections. You may have to receive medication in a hospital or take it home. You may need to take the antibiotics for up to six weeks, depending on the extent of the infection. Ensure you complete your dosage even if the symptoms have resolved.
- Bed rest. Your doctor may restrict the movement of the affected part. It may take you a few days, or you need to gain full recovery.
- Surgery. In some cases, you need to go through surgery depending on the site or source of infection. Surgery occurs when your broken bones need to be reset and the removal of tumors caused by cancer. You also need surgery to replace or substitute bones. Drainage of infectious fluid or removal of damaged tissue or bone will also need surgery.
All bone infections need medical attention. I believe the above information will assist you in dealing with bone infections. Ensure you visit a reliable and trusted orthopedic for efficient treatment. Contact Battle Born Bone $ Joint Center for more information about joint infections.