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Osteomyelitis
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Osteomyelitis is infection of the bone that is most often caused
by Staphylococcus aureus. Osteomyelitis usually affects the long bones of the
arms and legs.
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- Direct infection due to trauma or a puncture wound. Bacteria that normally
live on our skin like Staphylococcus aureus, can enter through the
puncture wound deep into the bottom
of the foot. Once in the deep
tissues
of
the foot, bacteria can easily spread to bone.
- Infection through the bloodstream from other
infected areas in the body.
- Following fungal infection, tuberculosis or bacterial pneumonia.
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- Constant bone or joint pain that worsens with movement and does not respond
to pain medications or rest
- The area may be tender to touch or the joint may be painful when bending.
- Limitation of movement in a joint.
- Overlying skin red, warm and tender.
- Open skin sores over the infected bone.
- Weight loss.
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Irritability.
- Fever and chills.
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Chronic osteomyelitis that is left untreated can cause permanent none damage
and bone necrosis. This may result in limitation of function and movement of the
affected limb. Osteomyelitis of the vertebral column can damage the spinal nerves
and is a potentially serious condition. Another dangerous complication of osteomyelitis
is septic arthritis or osteoarthritis. Problems from this condition include a
permanent movement limitation, difficulty walking and shortening of the afflicted
limb, due to a reduction in space between bones at the joint.
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- Intravenous antibiotics are given initially to fight the infection.
- Patient is switched to oral antibiotics once the condition improves.
- Pain medication like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's) such
as aspirin, tylenol or ibuprofen can help relieve the pain.
- In severe cases, a cavity gets filled with pus in the bone. The physician
performs a surgical drainage and debridement of the dead and diseased tissue
in the infected cavity. This facilitates the bone to heal properly.
- If you are a smoker, quit smoking as it diminishes the blood
flow to the infected area and makes it difficult for the body to fight
the infection causing bacteria.
- Take care of your feet, nails and skin particularly if you have diabetes
or circulation problems.
- Take immunosuppressive medications under your physicians strict supervision
as these drugs suppress the body's immune system and diminishes it's ability
to fight infections.
- Prevention
- Practice good personal hygiene.
- If there is a cut or a deep wound, clean it with soap and water holding
it under running water for at least 5 minutes.
- Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment or cream and cover it
with a gauze or adhesive dressing.
- Hygiene is especially important for people with diabetes who self administer
insulin or for teens who use intravenous drugs like steroids.
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Ankylosing Spondylitis