Osteomyelitis
What is Osteomyelitis?
Osteomyelitis is an infection that develops in your bones. Bacteria or fungi enter the bone tissue and cause inflammation, pain, and damage. This condition can happen suddenly or develop slowly over time.
The infection usually starts in one of three ways. It can spread through your bloodstream from another part of your body. It can enter directly through an open wound or surgery. It can also spread from nearby infected tissue. Without treatment, osteomyelitis can destroy bone tissue and create serious complications.
Early detection through blood testing helps identify the infection before it causes permanent damage. Most people recover fully when treatment starts quickly. Chronic cases can be harder to treat and may require months of antibiotics or surgery.
Symptoms
- Deep bone pain that may worsen over time
- Fever and chills, often with high temperatures
- Swelling, redness, or warmth over the infected bone
- Fatigue and general feeling of being unwell
- Drainage of pus from the skin near the infected area
- Difficulty moving or using the affected limb
- Irritability in infants and young children
- Reduced appetite and weight loss
Some people with chronic osteomyelitis have mild or no symptoms for long periods. The infection can smolder quietly before causing noticeable problems.
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Causes and risk factors
Bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus causes most cases of osteomyelitis. The infection reaches your bones through your bloodstream, direct contamination, or nearby infected tissue. Open fractures, bone surgery, and contaminated wounds create direct pathways for bacteria. Diabetic foot ulcers and pressure sores can allow infection to spread into underlying bone.
Your risk increases if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system. People who use intravenous drugs, have artificial joints, or undergo dialysis face higher risk. Recent bone surgery or injury also makes infection more likely. Smoking and excessive alcohol use reduce your body's ability to fight bone infections.
How it's diagnosed
Doctors diagnose osteomyelitis using blood tests, imaging studies, and sometimes bone samples. A white blood cell count shows if your body is fighting an infection. Blood cultures can identify the specific bacteria causing the infection. These tests help guide treatment decisions and track how well antibiotics are working.
Rite Aid offers blood testing that measures your white blood cell count and can perform blood cultures. Getting tested at one of our Quest Diagnostics locations helps catch bone infections early. Your doctor may also order X-rays, MRI scans, or bone biopsies to confirm the diagnosis and see how much damage has occurred.
Treatment options
- Intravenous antibiotics for 4 to 6 weeks, often starting in the hospital
- Oral antibiotics for several more weeks or months after IV treatment
- Surgical removal of dead or infected bone tissue
- Drainage of abscesses or pockets of infection
- Wound care to keep the area clean and promote healing
- Rest and immobilization of the affected area during treatment
- Managing underlying conditions like diabetes to support healing
- Quitting smoking to improve blood flow and immune function
- Proper nutrition with adequate protein and vitamins for bone repair
- Follow-up blood tests to ensure the infection has cleared
Concerned about Osteomyelitis? Get tested at Rite Aid.
- Simple blood draw at your nearest lab
- Results in days, not weeks
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
The first signs usually include deep bone pain, fever, and swelling over the affected area. You may notice warmth or redness in the skin above the infected bone. Some people feel very tired and unwell before other symptoms appear. Children may become irritable and refuse to use the affected limb.
Most people get osteomyelitis when bacteria enter the bone through the bloodstream, an open wound, or surgery. Diabetic foot ulcers and pressure sores can allow infection to spread into bone. Open fractures and joint replacement surgery create direct pathways for bacteria. Infections elsewhere in your body can also travel through your blood to your bones.
Yes, blood tests play an important role in detecting osteomyelitis. A white blood cell count shows if your body is fighting an infection. Blood cultures can identify the specific bacteria causing the problem. These tests help your doctor confirm the diagnosis and choose the right antibiotics.
Treatment typically takes 6 to 12 weeks or longer depending on severity. Most people need 4 to 6 weeks of intravenous antibiotics followed by oral antibiotics. Chronic osteomyelitis may require months of treatment and sometimes surgery. Early detection and consistent treatment improve your chances of full recovery.
Yes, untreated osteomyelitis can be very dangerous. The infection can destroy bone tissue and spread to nearby joints or soft tissue. Bacteria may enter your bloodstream and cause sepsis, a life-threatening condition. Chronic infection can lead to bone death and permanent disability.
Acute osteomyelitis develops suddenly with severe symptoms like high fever and intense pain. It usually responds well to antibiotics if treated quickly. Chronic osteomyelitis develops slowly over months and may have mild symptoms. It is harder to treat and often requires surgery to remove dead bone tissue.
Yes, osteomyelitis can recur even after successful treatment. This happens more often with chronic infections or when dead bone tissue remains. People with diabetes, poor circulation, or weakened immune systems face higher recurrence risk. Regular follow-up blood tests help catch returning infections early.
People with diabetes, poor circulation, or weakened immune systems face the highest risk. Those who use intravenous drugs or have artificial joints are also vulnerable. Recent bone surgery, open fractures, and chronic skin wounds increase your chances. Smokers and people who drink heavily have reduced ability to fight bone infections.
You can reduce your risk by keeping wounds clean and seeking prompt treatment for infections. Managing diabetes well helps prevent foot ulcers that can lead to bone infection. Avoid intravenous drug use and follow sterile techniques if you need injections. Quit smoking and maintain good nutrition to support your immune system.
Treatment usually starts with intravenous antibiotics in the hospital for several weeks. Your doctor will monitor your blood tests to see if the infection is clearing. You may need surgery to remove infected or dead bone tissue. After leaving the hospital, you will continue oral antibiotics at home and attend follow-up appointments to ensure the infection is gone.