Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone, often developing from a wound or after an open fracture in which the bone pokes through the skin. It may also develop after an illness or injury that damaged the skin near or over a bone.
Symptoms may include:
- A general feeling of illness (malaise).
- Fever, chills, and sweating.
- Deep bone pain.
- Pain that is worse when pressing on the infected area or when standing.
- Swollen and red skin (sometimes) over the affected bone.
- Drainage of pus from the wound.
Antibiotic treatment is necessary to prevent destruction of bone tissue. If the osteomyelitis is severe, surgery may be required.