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Bone Infections
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Infections

Bone Infections

Bone infections are typically caused by bacteria or fungi and require medical intervention, including antibiotics and often surgery.

Overview

Bones can become infected just like other parts of the body. These infections are usually bacterial, though they can also be fungal. Pathogens may reach the bone from nearby skin or muscles, or travel through the bloodstream from another part of the body.

Risk Factors

Individuals at higher risk for bone infections include those with:

  • Diabetes
  • Poor circulation
  • Recent bone injury
  • A history of hemodialysis

Symptoms

Common signs of a bone infection include:

  • Pain in the affected area
  • Chills and fever
  • Swelling, warmth, and redness

Diagnosis and Treatment

Medical professionals use blood tests or imaging tests, such as an x-ray, to diagnose a bone infection. Treatment typically involves a course of antibiotics and often requires surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Diabetes increases the risk of bone infections through two primary mechanisms: impaired circulation and a weakened immune response. High blood sugar levels damage blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the extremities and making it harder for the body to deliver immune cells and antibiotics to the site of an injury. Furthermore, diabetes can impair nerve function, meaning a patient might not feel a minor cut or pressure sore, allowing bacteria to enter the bone before the infection is noticed.
Warning signs that treatment may be failing include persistent or worsening pain, a return of fever or chills, increased redness or warmth around the area, and the appearance of new drainage or pus from a surgical site. If you notice these symptoms after the initial few days of treatment, contact your healthcare provider immediately, as you may need a change in antibiotics or further surgical intervention to remove dead tissue.
Treatment for osteomyelitis usually requires six to eight weeks of antibiotics, which is significantly longer than standard bacterial infections. This extended duration is necessary because bone tissue has a limited blood supply, making it difficult for medication to penetrate the infected area effectively. Additionally, bacteria in bone can form protective biofilms that are resistant to short-term therapy, so prolonged treatment is essential to ensure the infection is completely eradicated and to prevent recurrence.
You should generally avoid putting weight on the affected limb unless specifically instructed otherwise by your orthopedic specialist. Weight-bearing can increase pain, worsen swelling, and potentially cause further damage to the bone structure, especially if the infection has weakened the bone. Using crutches or a walker helps protect the site while it heals and reduces the risk of pathological fractures.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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