Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone, often developing from a wound or after an open fracture in which the bone pokes through the skin. It may also develop after an illness or injury that damaged the skin near or over a bone.

Symptoms may include:

• A general feeling of illness (malaise).
• Fever, chills, and sweating.
• Deep bone pain.
• Pain that is worse when pressing on the infected area or when standing.
• Swollen and red skin (sometimes) over the affected bone.
• Drainage of pus from the wound.

Antibiotic treatment is necessary to prevent destruction of bone tissue. If the osteomyelitis is severe, surgery may be required.