Osteomyelitis symptoms

Symptoms depend on where the infection is and how quickly it developed. A person may have deep or persistent pain, tenderness over a bone, reduced movement, swelling, redness, warmth, tiredness, or fever. An existing wound may drain fluid or fail to heal. Infection in the spine can cause back pain, and symptoms in children can include reluctance to use an arm or leg.

Some people do not have fever, especially when infection develops gradually or after an operation. These symptoms are not specific to osteomyelitis. A clinician may use an examination, blood tests, imaging, and a sample from blood, drainage, or bone to work out the cause.

Book prompt medical assessment for persistent bone pain, unexplained swelling, a non-healing wound, or symptoms after a fracture, operation, or deep injury. Record the location, onset, fever, drainage, and any recent antibiotics. Keep wounds covered as advised and do not stop a prescribed antibiotic early without speaking to the prescriber.

Care may involve targeted antibiotics, drainage, removal of unhealthy tissue, and support for the affected bone. If infection leaves a bone defect, a surgeon may discuss [Bone Grafting](/treatments/trauma-and-fracture-care/bone-grafting/).

Seek urgent care for rapidly worsening pain, spreading redness, heavy drainage, fever with shaking chills, faintness, confusion, or a limb that becomes cold, pale, numb, or difficult to move. Back pain with new weakness, numbness, or bladder or bowel changes needs immediate assessment.

Ask which symptoms concern your clinician, whether imaging or a culture is needed, what other conditions could mimic infection, and how you will know whether treatment is working.