Can a bone infection go unnoticed?

Can a bone infection go unnoticed?

Sometimes, chronic osteomyelitis is undetectable for a long time, causing no symptoms for months or years. More commonly, chronic osteomyelitis causes bone pain, recurring infections in the soft tissue over the bone, and constant or intermittent drainage of pus through the skin.

Can a bone get infected with a bloodstream infection?

Bones don’t easily get infected, but certain situations, such as a serious injury, bloodstream infection or surgery, may lead to a bone infection.

What should you do if you have a bone infection?

Bone infection should be treated to try to save the limb and avoid the following possible complications: Systemic infection: People can live with bone infection for years as long as the bacteria do not enter the bloodstream and cause the rest of the body to become sick.

Is it normal for a bone infection to show up on an X-ray?

(A plain X-ray is not so useful in the early stages of osteomyelitis, as an X-ray can be normal for up to a week or so after the infection starts.) The blood often contains some bacteria from the bone infection.

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.

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.

Where do bone infections usually occur in children?

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. Bone infections can happen suddenly or develop over a long period of time.

(A plain X-ray is not so useful in the early stages of osteomyelitis, as an X-ray can be normal for up to a week or so after the infection starts.) The blood often contains some bacteria from the bone infection.