Home Remedies and Herbs for Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis refers to an infection of the bone.¹ Bones can become infected through the bloodstream, infections of surrounding tissue, or from an injury that exposes the bone to infection.¹ Both bacterial and fungal infections can occur.² Osteomyelitis is most common in the legs or upper arms in children and in the vertebrae in adults, although it can affect any bone in the body.^1,2 Patients may suffer from acute osteomyelitis, where symptoms only last a few months, or chronic osteomyelitis, where symptoms persist much longer.²

What Causes Osteomyelitis?

Osteomyelitis is caused by a number of infections, from various types of bacteria to fungi. Bacterial infections are the most common.³ Infections may start in other areas of the body and spread through the bloodstream.³ Infections of tissue near bone, such as tendon, muscles, or skin, can also spread to the bone and cause osteomyelitis.³ Skin sores or serious injuries such as broken bones can also lead to infection.² Individuals with diabetes are at risk of developing osteomyelitis in their feet if they suffer from diabetic foot ulcers.¹

Other risk factors include:^2,3

• Age - Osteomyelitis is most common in children and individuals over the age of 50.
• Gender - Osteomyelitis is more common in men.
• Poor blood supply.
• Compromised immune system.
• Recent injury.
• Recent bone surgery.
• Use of illegal drugs.

Osteomyelitis Symptoms

Osteomyelitis symptoms can be difficult to spot since the condition sometimes results in no symptoms.⁴ Alternatively, the symptoms may be similar to other medical conditions, so it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause.⁴ If osteomyelitis symptoms occur, they can include:^3,4

• Bone pain
• Fever or chills
• Excessive sweating
• Open wound
• Swelling, warmth, and redness at infection site
• Pain at area of infection

In some cases, osteomyelitis can lead to more serious complications, such as bone death, septic arthritis, impaired growth, and skin cancer.⁵ Because of this, it’s important to talk to your doctor immediately if you experience any of these osteomyelitis signs. Diagnosis can be made through a variety of tests, which may include bone cultures, bone X-ray, bone biopsy, or MRI, among others.³ Osteomyelitis was once thought to be incurable, but with surgery and strong antibiotics, treatment is possible.¹ You may have to wear a cast or splint to allow the infected bones and joints to heal more efficiently.² Osteomyelitis herbs can help boost the immune system to help fight the infection.

References

1. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteomyelitis/basics/definition/con-20025518
2. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/osteomyelitis
3. http://umm.edu/health/medical/ency/articles/osteomyelitis
4. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteomyelitis/basics/symptoms/con-20025518
5. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteomyelitis/basics/complications/con-20025518