Osteomyelitis is a painful infection of a bone. This bone infection often causes swelling that can damage bone and lead to bone loss.
Infection can begin in the bone itself if an injury exposes your bone to bacteria. Infections can also reach a bone through the bloodstream or spread from nearby tissue.
Bacteria and fungi can be frequent causes of osteomyelitis.
Standard Treatment for Osteomyelitis
Getting treated quickly with antibiotics often works. However, some bone infections will need the area drained of abscesses or remove the damaged bone.
Who is At Risk?
The elderly, young children and those with diabetes are most at risk for osteomyelitis.
Symptoms
Symptoms of osteomyelitis can include:
- Swelling, heat, redness and pain over the area of the infection
- Fever
- Fatigue
When to See a Doctor
See your doctor if you experience worsening pain along with fever.
If you're at risk of infection because of a medical condition or recent surgery or injury, you should see your doctor right away if you notice any symptoms of an infection.
Continue reading below for suggestions from Earth Clinic readers and let us know if you have a natural remedy for Osteomyelitis.