Our Services / Bone Infections

About five out of 10,000 Americans develop bone infections. At Columbus Foot & Ankle, P.C., the experienced team of world-class podiatric physicians, including Troy Espiritu, DPM, FACFAS, and Nicholas Smith, DPM, MS, FACFAS, offers specialized care for osteomyelitis affecting the feet and ankles. Call the Columbus, Georgia, office or click on the provided link to arrange your appointment now.

What are bone infections?

Osteomyelitis, or bone infections, occur when bacteria or fungi cause an infection inside a bone. Bone infections are rare but have become more common over the last several decades.  

An untreated bone infection can lead to pockets of pus (abscesses), bone death (osteonecrosis), and serious consequences like foot or limb amputation if untreated. 

What causes bone infections?

The germ that most commonly causes bone infections is staphylococcus bacteria. That bacteria can reach your bone in a variety of ways, with the most common including: 

• Open foot wounds (diabetic foot ulcers)
• Trauma to the bone
• Post-surgical complications
• Injections in a joint or bone
• Foreign materials in or near the bone, such as joint replacement
• Poor blood flow to the feet (common among people with diabetes)
• Infection spreading from the blood

Bone infections can occur in any person, from very young children to elderly adults. In adults, bone infections are most common in the spinal vertebrae. But, since many adults have diabetes (and poor blood flow to the extremities) today, bone infections in the feet are also common. 

In children, bone infections are most common in the long bones of the leg (the tibia and femur), but they can also occur elsewhere. 

Regardless of how a bone infection starts, it can quickly grow into a significant problem. But, if you seek proper care, a bone infection is a treatable condition.

What are the symptoms of a bone infection?

Bone infections can cause symptoms including: 

• Discomfort or pain around the infected bone
• Swelling or puffiness
• Redness
• Joint stiffness
• Fever
• Chills and sweating
• Nausea

If you experience any of these symptoms after surgery, or if you already have an infection elsewhere in your body, it could be a bone infection, so reach out to Columbus Foot & Ankle, P.C. for help. 

How are bone infections treated?

At Columbus Foot & Ankle, P.C., the team treats bone infections using the most up-to-date medical approaches. Most people need antibiotics or antifungals along with pain medication. 

Some bone infections require abscess drainage to remove pus or surgery to remove the infected sections of bone. If you need surgery, you’ll take antibiotics after the procedure to help you heal properly without complications. 

To learn more about how the team at Columbus Foot & Ankle, P.C. can help with bone infections, call the office or click the provided link today.