What are the symptoms of early osteomyelitis?

Symptoms of early osteomyelitis include local pain, redness, swelling, fever, and limited mobility. In severe cases, they may be accompanied by systemic fever and fatigue. Osteomyelitis is a bone inflammation caused by bacterial infection. Early detection and timely treatment are crucial. Treatment includes antibiotics, surgical debridement, and adjuvant therapy.

1. Local pain is the most common symptom of early osteomyelitis. The pain is usually concentrated at the site of infection and may be accompanied by tenderness. This pain worsens at night or during activities, affecting the patient's daily activities. For pain management, doctors usually prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help relieve discomfort.

2. Redness, swelling and fever are typical manifestations of the infected area. The skin may be red, swollen and feel warm to the touch. This is due to the inflammatory response that causes local vasodilation and increased blood flow. Cold compresses can help reduce swelling and discomfort, but avoid direct contact with the skin to prevent frostbite.

3. Limited mobility is limited joint or bone function due to pain and inflammation, and the patient may not be able to walk normally or use the affected limb. Physical therapy can help restore joint mobility, such as passive joint movement training and mild stretching.

4. Systemic symptoms such as fever, chills and fatigue may appear when the infection spreads, indicating that the condition may worsen. At this time, you need to seek medical attention in time. The doctor will choose intravenous antibiotics such as cephalosporins or vancomycin to control the infection according to the condition.

Treatments for osteomyelitis include antibiotic therapy, surgical debridement, and adjuvant therapy. Antibiotics are the first choice of treatment, and commonly used drugs include penicillins, cephalosporins, and vancomycin. Surgical debridement is suitable for cases where the infection is severe or antibiotics are ineffective. Necrotic tissue and the source of infection are removed surgically. Adjuvant therapy such as physical therapy and nutritional support can help speed up recovery, such as a high-protein diet and vitamin supplements.

Symptoms of early osteomyelitis should not be ignored, and timely medical treatment is the key. Through antibiotic treatment, surgical debridement and adjuvant therapy, most patients can fully recover. If suspected symptoms occur, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid worsening of the disease.