Bone swelling is a condition of inflammation marked by increased fluid buildup and pain in and around a bone. There may also be a decreased ability to move the involved body part. The protective response of bone inflammation helps protect the injured area from further damage and aids in the healing process.
Since bones are made of dense, hard material on the outside, most bone swelling occurs around the bone or in the joint spaces that connect one bone to another. However, swelling due to excess fluid can occur within the flexible material in the center of the bone called bone marrow. Bone marrow edema is a case where there is excess fluid within the bone.
Causes of bone swelling can range from an injury such as a blow to the bone, often referred to as a bone bruise or contusion. A fracture or fracture of the bone, especially if it is an open fracture where the bone protrudes through the skin, can cause swelling in the surrounding area or in the bone marrow if bacteria enter through the fracture. Other conditions that can cause this inflammation include degenerative diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis; autoimmune diseases such as lupus; and some forms of cancer such as osteosarcoma, bone cancer, and chondrosarcoma, cancer of the cartilage that surrounds a bone.
Osteomyelitis or bone infections can also cause bone inflammation. A bone infection is commonly bacterial. It invades the bone and can cause damage to the bone's blood supply, as well as the integrity of the bone itself. Bone infections can occur not only from a bone fracture but also from general infection processes such as pneumonia or urinary tract infections, where the bacteria travel through the bloodstream to the bone.
Bone swelling is characterized by swelling and pain or tenderness in the area. The area may be warm to the touch and the mobility of the involved body part may be limited; In severe cases, there may be an inability to move the affected area. If the inflammation is caused by an infection, it may be accompanied by fever, chills, or nausea.
Treatment of bone inflammation depends on the cause. When due to injury, a period of ice, rest, and immobility with the use of a compression bandage can lessen symptoms. If the bone swelling is due to an infection, proper treatment of the infection with antibiotics can lessen the pain. In some cases, excessive fluid buildup requires drainage. In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary to remove fluid and damaged bone to prevent further problems.