Osteomyelitis vs Septic Arthritis: How to Tell the Difference and What to Do About It

Osteomyelitis vs Septic Arthritis: How to Tell the Difference and What to Do About It If you have ever experienced severe pain, swelling, and redness in your bones or joints, you may have wondered if you have osteomyelitis or septic arthritis. These are two rare and serious conditions that can affect your bones and joints, and can have similar symptoms. However, they are not the same, and they require different diagnosis and treatment.

In this article, we will explain what osteomyelitis and septic arthritis are, how they differ, how they are diagnosed and treated, and how you can prevent and manage them. We will also tell you about a natural and non-invasive method of pain relief that can help you cope with these conditions: red light therapy.

What are osteomyelitis and septic arthritis?

Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone, usually caused by bacteria that enter the bone through the bloodstream, an open wound, or a surgical procedure. Osteomyelitis can affect any bone in the body, but it is more common in the long bones of the legs and arms, the spine, and the pelvis. Osteomyelitis can be acute or chronic, depending on the duration and severity of the infection.

Septic arthritis is an inflammation of the joint, usually caused by bacteria that enter the joint through the bloodstream, an injury, or a medical procedure. Septic arthritis can affect

any joint in the body, but it is more common in the large joints of the knees, hips, shoulders, and elbows. Septic arthritis is usually acute, meaning that it develops quickly and lasts for a short time.

Both osteomyelitis and septic arthritis are rare, but they can be life-threatening if not treated promptly and properly. They can also cause permanent damage to the bones and joints, leading to disability and reduced quality of life.

How do osteomyelitis and septic arthritis differ?

Osteomyelitis and septic arthritis can have similar symptoms, such as:     

Severe pain in the affected bone or joint Swelling and redness in the affected area Fever and chills Difficulty moving the affected bone or joint General feeling of being unwell However, there are also some differences between the two conditions, such as:

 





The location of the pain and inflammation: osteomyelitis affects the bone, while septic arthritis affects the joint.

The type and source of the infection: osteomyelitis is usually caused by staphylococcus bacteria, while septic arthritis can be caused by various types of bacteria, such as staphylococcus, streptococcus, gonococcus, and gram-negative bacilli.

The risk factors and predisposing conditions: osteomyelitis is more likely to occur in people who have diabetes, poor blood circulation, weakened immune system, or recent bone surgery or injury, while septic arthritis is more likely to occur in people who have rheumatoid arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis, or recent joint surgery or injury.

The complications and outcomes: osteomyelitis can lead to bone necrosis (death of bone tissue), bone deformity, fracture, or chronic infection, while septic arthritis can lead to joint destruction, cartilage damage, or septic shock.

How are osteomyelitis and septic arthritis diagnosed and treated?

If you suspect that you have osteomyelitis or septic arthritis, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your doctor will examine your medical history, your symptoms, and your affected bone or joint. Your doctor may also order some tests, such as:  

Blood tests, to check for signs of infection and inflammation X-rays, to look for changes in the bone or joint structure

  

Bone scans, to detect areas of increased bone activity MRI or CT scans, to get a detailed image of the bone or joint Bone or joint aspiration, to collect a sample of fluid or tissue from the bone or joint for laboratory analysis The treatment of osteomyelitis and septic arthritis depends on the type and severity of the infection, and the condition of the bone or joint. The main goals of treatment are to eliminate the infection, reduce the pain and inflammation, and prevent further damage to the bone or joint. The treatment may include:









Antibiotics, to kill the bacteria that cause the infection. Antibiotics are usually given intravenously (through a vein) for several weeks, followed by oral antibiotics for several months.

Surgery, to remove the infected bone or tissue, or to drain the pus from the joint.

Surgery may also be needed to repair or replace the damaged bone or joint, or to improve the blood flow to the bone.

Pain relievers, to reduce the pain and discomfort. Pain relievers may include over-the-counter or prescription medications, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen.

Physical therapy, to improve the mobility and function of the affected bone or joint. Physical therapy may include exercises, stretches, massage, heat, cold, or electrical stimulation.

How can you prevent and manage osteomyelitis and septic arthritis?

Osteomyelitis and septic arthritis are not always preventable, but you can reduce your risk of getting them by following some tips, such as: 

Practicing good hygiene, by washing your hands frequently, cleaning and covering any wounds, and avoiding contact with people who have infections.





Taking care of your health, by managing any chronic conditions, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout, and by boosting your immune system, such as by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly.

Seeking medical help, if you have any signs or symptoms of infection, such as fever, chills, pain, swelling, or redness, or if you have any injury or surgery that involves your bones or joints.

If you have osteomyelitis or septic arthritis, you can manage your condition and improve your quality of life by following your doctor’s advice and treatment plan, and by using some natural and non-invasive methods of pain relief, such as red light wrap.

What is red light therapy and how can it help you with osteomyelitis and septic arthritis?

Red light therapy is a treatment that uses low-level red and near-infrared light to stimulate the cells and tissues in the body. Red light therapy can help you with osteomyelitis and septic arthritis by:   

Increasing the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that dilates the blood vessels and improves the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the affected bones and joints Enhancing the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy source of the cells, which can help repair the damaged bone and joint tissue Modulating the immune system and reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can aggravate the inflammation and pain in the bones and joints Red light therapy can be done at home, using a device called a red light therapy belt. A red led therapy wrap is a flexible and portable device that can be wrapped around the affected bone or joint, such as the knee, the elbow, or the wrist. It emits red and near-infrared light that penetrates the skin and reaches the deeper layers of the tissue, where it can exert its healing effects.

Using a red light therapy belt is easy and convenient. You just need to wear it for 10 to 15 minutes a day, preferably in the morning or evening, when your skin is clean and dry. You can also combine it with your medication and other methods of pain relief, as they can work synergistically to enhance the pain relief and the anti-inflammatory effects.

However, before using a red light therapy belt, you should consult your doctor and follow the instructions of the manufacturer. You should also avoid looking directly at the light, as it can be harmful to your eyes. And you should not use a red light therapy belt if you have any skin conditions, infections, or wounds in the area to be treated.

Conclusion

Osteomyelitis and septic arthritis are two rare and serious conditions that can affect your bones and joints, and can have similar symptoms. However, they are not the same, and they require different diagnosis and treatment. You can prevent and manage these conditions by following your doctor’s advice and treatment plan, and by using natural and non-invasive methods of pain relief, such as red light therapy.

We hope that this article has given you some useful and in-depth information about osteomyelitis and septic arthritis, and how to tell the difference and what to do about them. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below. We would love to hear from you and learn from your experience. Thank you for reading and have a great day!