Osteomyelitis is a rare but serious bone infection that requires prompt treatment to prevent complications, such as bone death. The highly skilled team at Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists treats osteomyelitis at the private practice in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood of Chicago. If you or a loved one has symptoms of a bone infection, call the office or book an appointment online today.

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What is osteomyelitis?

Osteomyelitis occurs when your bone becomes infected with bacteria or fungus. If left untreated, osteomyelitis can cut off the blood supply to the infected bone tissue and cause it to die.

Who gets osteomyelitis?

Osteomyelitis is rare, affecting about 2 out of 10,000 people. People of all ages can develop this condition, but it’s most common among young children and older adults.

Other factors that increase your risk for osteomyelitis include:

  • Smoking cigarettes
  • Chronic health conditions, such as diabetes
  • Recent injuries or orthopedic surgery
  • Circulation disorders, such as peripheral artery disease

People with diabetes are prone to developing diabetic foot ulcers, which may introduce bacteria or fungus into the bones of the feet.

What are symptoms of osteomyelitis?

In most cases, osteomyelitis symptoms are similar to other problems, which is why accurate diagnosis from the team at Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists is critical.

Signs and symptoms of osteomyelitis include:

  • Fever
  • Pain and tenderness in the infected area
  • Swelling, redness, and warmth in the infected area

It’s important to seek medical care as soon as you notice signs and symptoms of a bone infection, especially if you have a chronic medical condition or have had a recent surgery.

What causes osteomyelitis?

Staphylococcus bacteria, which are commonly found on the skin and in the nose of healthy people, cause the majority of osteomyelitis cases. Bacteria or other harmful microbes can enter your body in many different ways, including:

  • Injuries, such as severe puncture wounds or open fractures
  • Contamination from surgery, such as joint replacement
  • Infection of nearby soft tissue, such as a diabetic foot ulcer

Infections can also travel from other parts of your body through the bloodstream and infect a weak spot in the bone.

How is osteomyelitis diagnosed and treated?

First, your provider at Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists performs a thorough physical exam and reviews your symptoms and medical history. They may take blood tests to check for signs of infection or an X-ray to look for damage to your bone.

To determine the type of germ that caused the infection, they may take a small tissue sample (bone biopsy). A biopsy helps the team at Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists prescribe the best treatment for your specific type of osteomyelitis.

The most common treatment for osteomyelitis is surgery to remove the infected or dead bone tissue followed by a course of antibiotics.

With prompt treatment, the team at Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists can save as much bone as possible and restore function to your foot.

Don’t hesitate to call Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists or book an appointment online at the first signs of osteomyelitis.