Detecting bone cancer from heel pain as a symptom.

Osteomyelitis can occur at any age, but it is most common in children and is primarily caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.

Patient NTC, 67 years old, from Ba Vi, Hanoi , had been suffering from pain in her right heel for 5 months. Initially, she self-medicated with painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs at home; however, the pain only improved slightly and did not completely disappear.

With timely treatment, osteomyelitis can be completely controlled, allowing patients to recover quickly and avoid dangerous complications.

After her condition didn't improve, she decided to go to the hospital for an examination, where doctors discovered she had osteomyelitis, a serious infectious disease of the bone.

Upon admission to the hospital, Mrs. C. reported to the doctor that the pain in her right heel increased with walking and had lasted for about 5 months. Before being admitted, she had an ankle X-ray at a local medical facility, which revealed a heel spur, and had self-treated with medication but without success.

At Medlatec General Hospital, Dr. Trinh Thi Nga ordered an X-ray and ultrasound of the patient's heel, which revealed a bone defect in the right heel and an image of a subperiosteal abscess.

Suspecting osteomyelitis, the doctor ordered an MRI scan, which revealed bone marrow edema, discontinuity of the calcaneal cortex, and extensive damage extending from the bone marrow to the surrounding soft tissues. Based on these results, the doctor diagnosed the patient with osteomyelitis of the right calcaneus.

Osteomyelitis is a bone infection caused by bacteria or viruses entering the bone through three routes: the bloodstream, direct infection (after surgery, after trauma), or from adjacent structures (arthritis, soft tissue inflammation).

In Mrs. C.'s case, although she had no history of trauma or surgery in the heel area, her agricultural work, which frequently exposed her to mud and soil, may have resulted in bacterial infection through small scratches on her feet. Over time, the bacteria penetrated deeper, causing osteomyelitis.

Osteomyelitis can progress through three stages: acute, subacute, and chronic. The acute stage typically presents with symptoms such as severe pain, swelling, high fever, and reduced mobility.

The subacute and chronic phases have milder symptoms, but if left untreated, they can lead to serious complications such as septic arthritis, sepsis, abscesses, pathological fractures, or bone deformities.

After diagnosis, the Russian doctor prescribed surgery to remove the inflamed area and antibiotics for Ms. C. However, due to health insurance issues, she requested a transfer to a higher-level hospital for further treatment.

Dr. Nga also advised that when experiencing prolonged bone pain, especially heel pain accompanied by symptoms such as fever, swelling, or reduced mobility, patients should go to reputable medical facilities for early examination and treatment.

Osteomyelitis can develop from small, unnoticed wounds. Bacteria easily enter through scratches, especially in people whose occupations involve frequent contact with dirt or contaminated environments.

Osteomyelitis can occur at any age, but is most common in children and is primarily caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. However, other bacteria such as Streptococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and fungi can also be causes.

Patients with risk factors such as a history of trauma, exposure to contaminated environments, or persistent bone pain should be screened for osteomyelitis.

With timely treatment, osteomyelitis can be completely controlled, helping patients recover quickly and avoid dangerous complications. Therefore, everyone should pay attention to any unusual symptoms in their body and seek early medical attention at reputable healthcare facilities to protect their health.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/phat-hien-ung-thu-xuong-tu-dau-hieu-dau-got-chan-d234501.html