Symptoms Of Osteomyelitis To Watch For

Osteomyelitis is a condition caused by an infection in the bones. It causes a patient to experience pain in the leg bones primarily, but it can also affect the arms and back. Individuals are at an increased risk of developing osteomyelitis if they have recently fractured a bone, been injured, or have had surgery, or if they have an artificial element such as a hip or screw in the body. A weakened immune system can also make the body more susceptible to developing osteomyelitis, as can blood infections and diabetes. Though osteomyelitis typically disappears with antibiotics, it can cause permanent damage to the bones if it progresses and is left untreated.

Nausea

Feeling nauseous is one of the main indicators of osteomyelitis. Unfortunately, nausea can be a symptom of many diseases and conditions, making it difficult to concretely associate with this bone infection. Nausea can present as an upset stomach, leaving you feeling as though you might vomit. The tummy can feel like its turning and churning, causing you to feel generally unwell. Any infection can lead to these feelings, as the body tries to fight back against invaders. Many antibiotics also list nausea as a main possible side effect, meaning your treatment options may not alleviate this symptom once you are diagnosed.

Swelling

Swelling is also a tell-tale sign of infection, and this is no different when the bones are concerned. Patients with osteomyelitis may feel swelling in the long bones of the legs, in the arms, across the back, and in the ankles, feet, and hands. This occurs as the body attempts to fight off the infection. It can also affect the tissue and muscle surrounding the affected bone. The build-up of pressure can occur in varying degrees, from mild to fairly intense and painful. If it does not go down after a few days, this is certainly cause to alert a medical professional, particularly if the area in question has not been injured recently.