Seek Help Promptly for Bone and Joint Infections Watch for symptoms of bone and joint infections. Then get to a doctor for prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent infections from destroying bone tissue or spreading to other parts of the body. Bones and joints are normally sterile areas, but bacteria and other germs can invade them and cause infections. Bone infections can be debilitating and can smolder for years if not properly treated.
Joint infections can damage a joint within days.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment are important in order to prevent these infections from destroying bone tissue, spreading to other parts of the body, or becoming life-threatening or chronic. By direct injury, such as a puncture wound or open fracture. Surgery on a bone or joint can also initiate infection. In diabetics, through foot sores. In people with sinusitis, infection can spread from the sinus cavity to facial bones.