Symptoms Of Osteomyelitis To Watch For

Pus Drainage

In osteomyelitis, patients open experience pus draining through the skin or open wounds near the site of infection. Pus drainage in osteomyelitis can be either intermittent or constant. Drainage due to this condition occurs when a sinus tract forms from the osteomyelitis-infected bone to the surface of the skin, providing the space from which pus drains. Of course, pus can also build up under the skin and form what is called an abscess, which will need to be cleaned and drained. This is crucial so the bone and surrounding area can begin to heal effectively.

Changes In Walking

Many of the other symptoms and effects of osteomyelitis have one ultimate thing in common: they affect the patient's ability to walk. What causes the changes in walking include the pain in the bones due to the infection, the decreased ability to use the bone for support and movement, as well as attempting to avoiding putting pressure on tender and swollen joints. This makes it clear that osteomyelitis may not actually take away the individual's ability to walk unassisted. It may simply just force them to adjust how they walk. In some cases, they may need external assistance to keep walking efficiently.