What should you know about osteomyelitis?

The infection may reach bone through the bloodstream or extend from an ulcer, wound, joint, or surgical site. Pain, tenderness, warmth, swelling, drainage, fever, or reduced use of a limb can occur, although symptoms vary. A clinician may combine an examination with blood tests and imaging; a sample from the affected area may help identify the organism and guide treatment. Diabetes, poor circulation, immune suppression, and implanted hardware can affect risk and management.

Arrange medical review for persistent bone pain, a draining wound near bone, or new symptoms after surgery or an injury. Take prescribed antimicrobials exactly as directed and do not stop because symptoms improve. Keep wounds clean as instructed, avoid putting pressure on an affected limb unless cleared, and attend planned imaging or blood-test appointments. Extensive infection or damaged bone may require surgery; [Bone Grafting](/treatments/trauma-and-fracture-care/bone-grafting/) is one procedure clinicians may consider when reconstruction is needed.

Seek urgent assessment for fever with rapidly increasing pain, spreading redness, pus, confusion, faintness, or inability to use the limb. Emergency help is appropriate for severe illness, breathing difficulty, or signs of shock. A foot wound with colour change, numbness, or rapidly worsening swelling needs prompt attention, particularly in someone with diabetes.

Ask where the infection is located, which tests are needed, how long treatment may take, whether a sample will guide medicine, and whether surgery or activity limits are needed.