What are the symptoms of tibial osteomyelitis?
Pain in the tibial area has been so severe that I can't even sleep properly. I felt it might be serious, so I went to the hospital for an examination and was diagnosed with tibial osteomyelitis. What other symptoms are associated with this condition besides the pain?
Doctor's answer (1)
Tibial osteomyelitis is an infectious disease affecting the bone marrow, cortical bone, and periosteum, primarily caused by bacteria. The following are common symptoms:
1. Fever and chills: Patients often develop high fever, with body temperature reaching 39–41°C, accompanied by chills, which represent a systemic response of the body to the infection.
2. General malaise: Symptoms include fatigue, body aches, loss of appetite, and cold intolerance. In severe cases, patients may experience restlessness, weak and rapid pulse, delirium, or coma, indicating septicemia.
3. Anemia, dehydration, and acidosis: These symptoms may occur due to metabolic disturbances caused by the infection.
4. Severe pain: Patients experience intense pain at the affected site, particularly noticeable at night.
5. Local redness, swelling, warmth, and tenderness: The infected area typically shows obvious redness, swelling, warmth, and tenderness. A fluctuant sensation may sometimes be palpable, indicating possible abscess formation.
6. Limited mobility: Due to pain and local inflammation, the patient's ability to move is restricted, particularly affecting movement of the involved limb.
