Osteomyelitis risk factors: who is more likely to get a bone infection

What osteomyelitis is

Like other parts of the body, bones can get infected. MedlinePlus says the infections are usually caused by bacteria but can also be fungal. They may spread to the bone from nearby skin or muscles, or from another part of the body through the bloodstream (MedlinePlus).

A skin infection can be one route. CDC lists osteomyelitis (bone infection) among the uncommon but serious complications of cellulitis (CDC); see our cellulitis risk factors guide.

Who is more likely to get a bone infection

MedlinePlus names these groups as at risk (MedlinePlus):

• People with diabetes. See our type 2 diabetes risk factors guide.
• People with poor circulation.
• People with a recent injury to the bone.
• People having hemodialysis.

The MedlinePlus page we use does not list further risk factors, so we do not add any here.

Bone infection can also be a rare complication of other infections: CDC lists infection of the bone (osteomyelitis) among the ways Salmonella infection can spread beyond the intestines (CDC). See salmonella risk factors.

Diabetes, feet and infection

NIDDK says diabetes may cause nerve damage that can make you lose feeling in your feet, and it can also lower blood flow in your feet. Not having enough blood flowing to your legs and feet can make it hard for a sore or an infection to heal, and cuts and sores can become infected (NIDDK).

NIDDK's foot care steps include checking your feet every day, since you may have foot problems but feel no pain. It says to call your health care provider right away if you have (NIDDK):

• a cut, blister or bruise on your foot that does not start to heal after a few days
• skin on your foot that becomes red, warm or painful, signs of a possible infection
• a callus with dried blood inside it, which often can be the first sign of a wound under the callus
• a foot infection that becomes black and smelly, signs you might have gangrene

Diagnosis and treatment

MedlinePlus says a blood test or an imaging test such as an x-ray can tell if you have a bone infection. Treatment includes antibiotics and often surgery (MedlinePlus).

Common questions

Is osteomyelitis the same as a bone infection?

Yes. Osteomyelitis is the medical name for an infection of the bone; CDC lists it as "osteomyelitis (bone infection)" (CDC), and MedlinePlus covers it on its bone infections page (MedlinePlus).

If I have diabetes, will I get a bone infection?

Not necessarily. MedlinePlus lists diabetes as a risk factor (MedlinePlus), and NIDDK says good foot care is very important to prevent serious infections (NIDDK). Ask your doctor or a foot doctor (podiatrist) about your own feet.

What are the symptoms?

Pain in the infected area, chills and fever, and swelling, warmth and redness (MedlinePlus).

Also see sepsis risk factors and MRSA risk factors.