Symptoms of OSTEOMYELITIS

Symptoms of osteomyelitis include pain, swelling, warmth and tenderness in the area over the infected bone. Movement of the involved bone tends to worsen the pain. When the bone involved is near a joint, or part of a joint, the joint may appear read, warm and swollen as well. Children, even those too young to speak, will show a reluctance to move an arm or leg or refusal to walk or limping or screaming when the limb is touched or moved. Occasionally, the bone infection may lead to the development of a fistula, where pus drains through the skin. This can occur even in the absence of fever. Osteomyelitis can be associated with chronic illness, with loss of weight and loss of appetite.