People can help prevent osteomyelitis by avoiding staph and other infections. Methods include:

• Frequent hand washing
  
• Not sharing personal items such as towels and razors
  
• Making sure that healthcare workers wash their hands and use gloves
  
• Using antibiotics only as directed

It also helps to reduce the risk of injuries with commonsense methods such as using seatbelts, wearing bicycle and motorcycle helmets and practicing good workplace safety. Prompt treatment of any wound or infection is important.

Patients can also reduce the risk of bone infection by taking steps that maintain good circulation or otherwise promote good health. These include:

• Quitting smoking
  
  
• Avoiding intravenous drug abuse
  
  
• Preventing or controlling diabetes, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis and other risk factors for impaired circulation
  
  
• Performing routine foot care and skin care and receiving foot exams from a physician, particularly for those with conditions such as diabetes
  
  
• Taking precautions against or controlling immune disorders, such as HIV infection, allergies, asthma and lupus