Symptoms of Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis affects about two out of every 10,000 people. If left untreated, the infection can become chronic and cause a loss of blood supply to the affected bone. When this happens, it can lead to the eventual death of the bone tissue.

Osteomyelitis can affect both adults and children. The bacteria or fungus that can cause osteomyelitis, however, differs among age groups. In adults, osteomyelitis often affects the vertebrae and the pelvis. In children, osteomyelitis usually affects the adjacent ends of long bones. Long bones (bones of the limbs) are large, dense bones that provide strength, structure, and mobility. They include the femur and tibia in the legs and the humerus and radius in the arms. Osteomyelitis does not occur more commonly in a particular race or gender. However, some people are more at risk for developing the disease, including:
People with weakened immune systems
People with sickle cell disease
Intravenous drug abusers
The elderly
Symptoms of osteomyelitis
People with diabetes
Patients receiving hemodialysis

The symptoms of osteomyelitis can include:
General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling
Drainage of pus through the skin
Pain and/or tenderness in the infected area
Swelling and warmth in the infected area
Nausea, secondarily from being ill with infection