How would one treat a bone infection?
Antibiotics may be all that’s necessary to cure your bone infection. Your doctor may administer the antibiotics intravenously, or directly into your veins, if the infection is severe. You may need to take the antibiotics for up to six weeks. Sometimes bone infections require surgery.
How long does it take for a bone infection to spread?
Acute osteomyelitis develops rapidly over a period of seven to 10 days. The symptoms for acute and chronic osteomyelitis are very similar and include: Fever, irritability, fatigue. Nausea.
What does it mean when you have a bone infection?
What is a bone infection (osteomyelitis)? A bone infection, also called osteomyelitis, can result when bacteria or fungi invade a bone. In children, bone infections most commonly occur in the long bones of the arms and legs. In adults, they usually appear in the hips, spine, and feet.
Can a bone infection spread through the blood stream?
Many organisms, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus, travel through the bloodstream and can cause a bone infection. An infection may begin in one area of the body and spread to the bones via the blood stream.
How long does it take for a bone infection to go away?
You may have to take the medication for 4-6 weeks but, if you have a severe infection, the course may last up to twelve weeks. This is to make sure all infection has gone from the bone. To control pain you may be given painkillers and if you have infection in a long bone (such as an arm or leg) you may be fitted with a splint to restrict movement.
How does an osteomyelitis infection spread to the bone?
When a person has osteomyelitis: Bacteria or other germs may spread to a bone from infected skin, muscles, or tendons next to the bone. This may occur under a skin sore. The infection can start in another part of the body and spread to the bone through the blood. The infection can also start after bone surgery.
What happens if you have an infection in your bone?
An infection in your bone can impede blood circulation within the bone, leading to bone death. Areas where bone has died need to be surgically removed for antibiotics to be effective. Septic arthritis. Sometimes, infection within bones can spread into a nearby joint.
Which is the most common cause of bone infection?
Osteomyelitis is a bone infection. It is mainly caused by bacteria or other germs. Bone infection is most often caused by bacteria. But it can also be caused by fungi or other germs. When a person has osteomyelitis: Bacteria or other germs may spread to a bone from infected skin, muscles, or tendons next to the bone.
When a person has osteomyelitis: Bacteria or other germs may spread to a bone from infected skin, muscles, or tendons next to the bone. This may occur under a skin sore. The infection can start in another part of the body and spread to the bone through the blood. The infection can also start after bone surgery.
When do you need surgery for bone infection?
Antibiotics are taken for at least 4 to 6 weeks, often at home through an IV (intravenously, meaning through a vein). Surgery may be needed to remove dead bone tissue if the above methods fail: If there are metal plates near the infection, they may need to be removed.