Infection Within the Bone

Osteomyelitis is an infection involving the bone caused by various microorganisms such as bacteria and/or fungus. This disorder affects about 2 out of every 10,000 people.

Osteomyelitis can affect both adults and children. The bacteria or fungus that can cause osteomyelitis, differs among age groups as does the location of infection. In adults, osteomyelitis often affects the vertebrae and the pelvis. In children, osteomyelitis usually affects the adjacent ends of long bones. Long bones are large, dense bones that provide strength, structure, and mobility. These include the femur and tibia in the legs.

Osteomyelitis does not occur more commonly in a particular race or gender. However, some people are more at risk for developing the disease. These include: Patients with diabetes, weakened immune system, sickle cell or receiving hemodialysis, IV drug drug abusers or elderly patients.

Symptoms of osteomyeltis, may include:

• Pain and/or tenderness in the infected area
• Swelling and warmth in the infected area
• Fever
• Nausea, secondarily from being ill with infection
• General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling
• Drainage of pus through the skin

There are many ways that infecting bacteria find their way to bone, resulting in the development of osteomyelitis. These include:

• An open injury to the bone or a soft tissue infection

• An infection from elsewhere in the body, such as pneumonia or a urinary tract infection, that has spread to the bone through the blood stream.
• Minor trauma, which can lead to a blood clot around the bone and then a secondary infection from seeding of bacteria.
• Bacteria in the bloodstream, which is deposited in a localized area of the bone.

The objective of treating osteomyelitis is to eliminate the infection and prevent the development of chronic infection. Chronic osteomyelitis can lead to permanent deformity, possible loss of limb, or life and other health issues, so it is important to treat the disease as soon as possible. If you or someone you know is suffering from this condition please contact our office for consultation, 440-946-5858 to prevent the complications noted above.

Shin Pain?

With the beginning of fall, means the beginning of many fall sports and possibility of new aches and pains for our athletes. One common complaint is pain to the front of the shin. Pain in this area is referred to as "shin splints."

“Shin splints” is a term used to describe pain and swelling to the front of the lower legs. The pain usually appears after and is aggravated by repetitive activities such as running or walking. Contributing causes are flat feet, calf tightness, improper training techniques, worn out or improper shoes/sneakers, as well as running or walking on uneven surfaces. The inflammation in the shin results from the repeated pull of a muscle in the leg from the shin bone (tibia).

This condition usually occurs bilaterally (both legs) and can be alleviated by rest, use of non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, icing, a change in training habits, stretching exercises, and properly fitted shoes.

If you or someone you know is suffering please given our office a call, 440-946-5858, to allow us to properly treat the condition, recommend proper shoe gear and evaluate whether orthotics are needed. If not treated, shin splints may eventually result in a stress fracture of the shin bone.

Broken Toes

The structure of your foot is complex, consisting of bones, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. Of the 26 bones in your foot, 19 are toe bones (phalanges) and metatarsal bones (the long bones in the midfoot). Fractures of the toe and metatarsal bones (broken toes) are common and require evaluation by a specialist.

A fracture is a break in the bone. Fractures can be divided into two categories.

Category 1 of fractures is traumatic fractures, also called acute fractures. Traumatic fractures are caused by a direct blow or impact, like seriously stubbing your toe. These types of fractures can be displaced or non-displaced. If the fracture is displaced, the bone is broken in such a way that it has changed in position (dislocated). Treatment of a traumatic fracture depends on the location and extent of the break and whether it is displaced. Surgery is sometimes required. Signs and symptoms of a traumatic fracture may include a popping sound, pin-point pain, deviation (mis-shapen or abnormal appearance of the toe) or brusing and swelling to the affected area.

Category 2 of fractures is stress fractures. Stress fractures are tiny, hairline breaks that are usually caused by repetitive stress. Stress fractures often afflict athletes who, for example, too rapidly increase their running mileage. Or they may be caused by an abnormal foot structure, deformities, osteoporosis or improper footwear. Symptoms of stress fractures include pain with or after normal activity, pin point pain, swelling, but no bruising and pain that goes away when resting and then returns when standing or during activity.

Fractures of the toe bones are almost always traumatic fractures. Treatment for traumatic fractures depends on the break itself and may include these options: Rest, rigid or stiff-soled shoe and splinting or "buddy" taping the affected toe. If the break is badly displaced or if the joint is affected, surgery may be necessary. Surgery often involves the use of fixation devices, such as pins or screws.

Treatment of metatarsal fractures depends on the type and extent of the fracture, and may include rest, immobilization (casting or rigid shoe) and avoidance of offending activity. If the break is badly displaced or if the joint is affected, surgery may be necessary. Surgery often involves the use of fixation devices, such as pins or screws.

It is not true that if you can walk on it, it is not broken. Evaluation by a physician is recommended, therefore please call our office to schedule an appointment, 440-946-5858.