Osteomyelitis in Children
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
Osteomyelitis is a severe bone infection. It can develop in any bone, but often involves the long bones, such as the arm and leg bones, or the bones of the spine. Osteomyelitis may be caused by bacteria or a fungus.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Return to the emergency department if:
- Your child has severe pain.
- Your child's bone breaks.
Call your child's doctor if:
- Your child's symptoms return.
- Your child has increased swelling, pain, or redness.
- Your child has new drainage or an odor from the wound.
- You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.
Medicines:
Your child may need any of the following:
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your child's healthcare provider how to give this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not give other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your child's healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your child's healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- Antibiotics help treat or prevent a bacterial infection.
- Antifungals help treat or prevent a fungal infection.
- Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to give your child and how often to give it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines your child uses to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your child's doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
- Do not give aspirin to children younger than 18 years. Your child could develop Reye syndrome if he or she has the flu or a fever and takes aspirin. Reye syndrome can cause life-threatening brain and liver damage. Check your child's medicine labels for aspirin or salicylates.
- Give your child's medicine as directed. Contact your child's healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell the provider if your child is allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs your child takes. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list or the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Rest and immobilize:
Your child may need to rest and wear a splint to help the bone heal. A splint will prevent the bone from moving. Have your child keep weight off his or her leg by using crutches, a cane, or walker as directed. Ask your child's healthcare provider for more information about splints and when your child can return to your normal activities.
Offer a variety of healthy foods:
Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. Ask if your child needs to be on a special diet.
 |
Do not smoke around your child:
Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can make it difficult for your child's wound to heal. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.
Control other medical conditions:
Control other medical conditions, such as diabetes, to prevent more bone damage. It is hard to get rid of an infection if your blood sugars are high.
Follow up with your child's doctor or orthopedist as directed:
Your child may need to return for more blood tests or x-rays. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your child's visits.
© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Learn more about Osteomyelitis
Treatment options
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.