Osteomyelitis Patient Education

What is Osteomyelitis?

Osteomyelitis (say: os-tee-oh-my-uh-LY-tis) is an infection in the bone. It happens when bacteria or germs get into the bone and cause swelling and damage. This infection can come from a wound, surgery, or sometimes spread through the blood from other parts of your body.

Causes and Risk Factors

Having a deep cut, wound, or injury near a bone
Recent surgery or a bone fracture
Blood infections that spread to the bone
Weak immune system (like diabetes or certain illnesses)
Poor blood flow to the bones (common in people with diabetes or smokers)
Having devices like artificial joints or metal rods in your bones

Signs and Symptoms

Pain in the infected bone area
Swelling, redness, and warmth over the bone
Fever and chills
Feeling tired or weak
Drainage of pus from a wound near the bone
Limited movement of nearby joints
Early signs may be mild and hard to notice

Early Warning Signs

Persistent bone pain
Swelling or redness near a wound
Fever without other clear cause
Warmth or tenderness over an area of the bone

Complications if Untreated or Not Following Treatment

Spread of infection to other parts of the body
Bone death or damage
Chronic bone infection that is hard to treat
Need for surgery or amputation
Sepsis (a serious blood infection that can be life-threatening)

Treatment and Self-Care Measures

Antibiotics: You will need strong antibiotics, sometimes given through an IV (in a vein) for weeks.
Surgery: Sometimes surgery is needed to remove dead bone or drain pus.
Rest: Keep the affected area still and elevated if possible.
Wound Care: Keep wounds clean and dry; follow your doctor’s instructions.
Follow-up: Go to all your doctor visits and get blood tests as ordered.

Common Medications

Antibiotics: These kill the bacteria causing the infection.
You may receive oral antibiotics or IV antibiotics depending on severity.

Side Effects: Antibiotics can cause upset stomach, diarrhea, or allergic reactions. Tell your doctor if you have side effects.

Dietary Needs

Eat a healthy diet with plenty of protein to help your body heal.
Include fruits and vegetables for vitamins and minerals.
Drink enough fluids to stay hydrated.

Lifestyle Changes

Avoid smoking to improve blood flow and healing.
Manage other health problems like diabetes carefully.
Keep wounds clean and covered to prevent infection.

Safety Considerations

Do not ignore signs of infection or new pain.
Avoid putting weight or strain on infected bones unless your doctor says it’s okay.
Use any devices (like crutches) properly to protect your bones.

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

Take care of cuts and wounds immediately.
Keep good hygiene to avoid infections.
Control blood sugar if you have diabetes.
Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Report any new pain, swelling, or fever right away.

When to Call for Help

Call your Home Health Agency or Doctor if:

Your pain, redness, or swelling gets worse.
You notice new drainage or pus from a wound.
You have fever, chills, or feel very tired.
You have side effects from your antibiotics.
You have trouble moving the affected limb or joint.
You need help managing your medicine or wound care.

Go to the Emergency Room if:

You have sudden, severe pain or swelling.
You have a very high fever or shaking chills.
You notice red streaks spreading from the wound area.
You feel confused, dizzy, or very weak.
You have difficulty breathing or chest pain.
You fall or hurt the infected bone badly.

Patient Homework / Assessment

Instructions: Read each statement carefully. Circle True if the statement is correct or False if it is incorrect. If False, please write the correct answer.

True or False: Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone.
True or False: Osteomyelitis can happen after surgery or an injury.
True or False: Only old people get osteomyelitis.
True or False: Fever and chills can be signs of osteomyelitis.
True or False: Osteomyelitis can be treated with antibiotics.
True or False: You may need surgery to treat osteomyelitis.
True or False: You should stop antibiotics as soon as you feel better.
True or False: It is important to keep wounds clean to prevent osteomyelitis.
True or False: Pain and swelling near a bone are signs of infection.
True or False: Smoking helps the bone heal faster.
True or False: Osteomyelitis can cause permanent bone damage if not treated.
True or False: You should call your doctor if you have side effects from antibiotics.
True or False: Drinking plenty of water helps your body fight infection.
True or False: Osteomyelitis only affects the skin, not the bones.
True or False: You may need antibiotics for several weeks to treat osteomyelitis.
True or False: Rest and elevating the affected limb can help with healing.
True or False: You should ignore new pain if your doctor hasn’t told you otherwise.
True or False: Red streaks near a wound mean the infection might be spreading.
True or False: You should go to the emergency room if you have severe pain and fever.
True or False: Managing other health problems like diabetes is important to prevent osteomyelitis.

Questions About Your Osteomyelitis

Where is your bone infection located?
When did your symptoms start?
What medicines are you taking now?
Have you had any side effects from your medicines?
Are you able to keep your wound clean and dry?
Do you have any other health problems like diabetes?
Have you noticed any new swelling, redness, or pus?
How is your pain—does it get better or worse with treatment?
Have you had any surgery for this infection?
When is your next doctor or home health visit scheduled?