About this topic
This health problem is an infection in the bone. It is caused by bacteria or fungus. It may be a result of an injury to the bone or infection from a nearby body area. This may either be: ‚
- A new, short-term infection lasting weeks. This is an acute infection.
- An ongoing, long-term infection lasting months. This is a chronic infection.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- You will be on drugs to treat infection. You may have to take them for 4 to 6 weeks. You may have to take these drugs through a small tube in your vein called an I.V. Talk to your doctor about how you will be taking your drugs.
- Do not massage the wound.
- If you had surgery, talk to your doctor about:
- How to care for your cut site and bandage.
- What supplies you will need.
- If you will need home visits from a nurse.
- When you may take a bath or shower.
- Be sure to wash your hands before touching your wound or dressing.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Fight an infection
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. If you had surgery, you may need some time to rest. Light exercise can help with blood flow to the wound to help it heal. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pus formation in the bone
- Spread of infection
- Limited use of joint
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Wash new wounds with soap and water right away.
- Treat your infection or injuries right away.
- See your doctor for sores that do not heal.
- Keep your sugar level under control if you have diabetes.
- Quit smoking.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the cut site; cut site opens up.
- You have problems taking your drugs.
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how long I need to take my drugs.
- I can tell you how to care for my cut site, if I have one.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have swelling, redness, or warmth around my wound.
Where can I learn more?
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/teen/diseases_conditions/bones/osteomyelitis.html ‚
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/742/viewAbstract ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚