Osteomyelitis
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
Osteomyelitis is a severe bone infection. It can develop in any bone, but often involves the long bones, such as your arm and leg bones, or the bones of the spine. Osteomyelitis is caused by different types of germs, such as bacteria or a fungus.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Return to the emergency department if:
- You have severe pain.
- Your bone breaks.
Call your doctor or orthopedist if:
- Your symptoms return.
- You have increased swelling, pain, or redness of your infected area.
- You have new drainage or an odor from your wound.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- Antibiotics help treat or prevent a bacterial infection.
- Antifungals help treat or prevent a fungal infection.
- Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Rest and immobilize:
You may need to rest and wear a splint to help your bone heal. A splint will prevent your bone from moving. Keep weight off of your leg by using crutches, a cane, or walker as directed. Ask your healthcare provider for more information about splints and when you can return to your normal activities.
Eat a variety of healthy foods:
Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. Healthy foods will help you heal. Ask if you need to be on a special diet.
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Do not smoke:
Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause lung damage and prevent healing. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products. If you smoke, it is never too late to quit. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you need help quitting.
Control other medical conditions:
Control other medical conditions, such as diabetes, to prevent more bone damage. It is hard to get rid of an infection if your blood sugars are high.
Follow up with your doctor or orthopedist as directed:
You may need to return for more blood tests or x-rays. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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