Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone. Infections that spread to the bone typically get there via nearby tissue that has been contaminated or bloodstream. It can also begin in the bone itself by germs that are acquired through injury.
While Children are more prone to develop in arms and legs (typically longer limbs), adults are more likely to develop in the bones that make up the spine. Individuals who are diabetic and suffer from foot ulcers are at risk to develop osteomyelitis in their feet.
Individuals that are affected by osteomyelitis are usually infected with staphylococcus bacteria, the main cause of ostemyelitis.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy helps to fight osteomyelitis in three ways:
1. Aids in strengthening osteoclast, bone cells that reabsorb dead bone, permitting the osteoclasts to remove bony debris more efficiently.
2. Improves the immune system by giving the white blood cells sufficient oxygen. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is used in conjunction with antibiotics do to the fact that it supports the action of the antibiotics.
3. Due to hyperbaric oxygen therapy the body will begin to produce new blood vessels called capillaries.
Combining these three factors of Oxygen Therapy the body is able to create new bone while getting rid of the diseased bone.
