Bone infections are severe and often present health problems. Bone infections occur when there is an infection in the bone tissues, most commonly caused by bacteria or fungi. The area of the bone affected will be red, swollen, and warm to the touch and usually accompanied by a fever. Other conditions that may cause similar symptoms include osteomyelitis, arthritis, and cellulitis. Bone infections can be mild or severe depending on the type of infection, its location in the body, and your overall health. If left untreated, they may spread to other body parts through infection spreading through the bloodstream. This rapid spread is why a bone infection needs to be treated right away by a doctor specializing in bone infection in San Antonio.
Symptoms Of Bone Infection
A common sign of bone infection is pain that worsens with movement. This pain may be accompanied by fever, weakness, and fatigue. The affected area is warm to the touch, red, and swollen. The pain usually increases when bearing weight on the affected bone, and there may be restricted movement of the limb with the bone infection.
In some cases, the infection has spread to other body parts. Bone infections can develop into systemic sepsis, a dangerous condition that may lead to shock and organ damage if left untreated. The symptoms of systemic sepsis include fever, chills, nausea/vomiting, blue-tinged or pale skin, diarrhea, dizziness or lightheadedness, fast heart rate, and rapid breathing.
Types of Bone Infection
There are two types of bone infections: acute and chronic.
Acute Bone Infection
Acute bone infection may arise after an injury, surgery, or following a condition such as osteomyelitis. The bone area becomes infected by bacteria, usually Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumonia, or Escherichia coli. The symptoms of an acute bone infection may not be present until one or two weeks after the injury has occurred.
Chronic Bone Infection
A chronic bone infection happens when a patient suffers from a weakened immune system and cannot quickly fight off the invading bacteria in his body. This infection usually starts in another part of the body, like the lungs. It can spread to other body parts without treatment, including bone tissue. Chronic bone infections need to be treated early to stop them from spreading to other areas or organs in your body. Tetanus or osteomyelitis may be a common type of chronic bone infection that requires immediate medical attention.
Treating Bone Infection
If you think you suffer from any bone infection, it’s crucial to get immediate medical attention. You may need antibiotic treatment to fight the infection and prevent it from spreading further. Both oral and intravenous (IV) antibiotics can successfully treat bone infections. The length of your antibiotic treatment will depend on the severity of your condition. You may need to take antibiotics for several weeks or months.
In summary, bone infections can be severe and require immediate medical attention. They cause symptoms such as pain that gets worse with movement, fever, fatigue, and weakness. Bone infections can either be acute or chronic. Treatment mainly involves antibiotics.
