TB can affect bones and joints, including the spine, hips and knees. It grows slowly, so it is often mistaken for arthritis or an old injury.
हिंदी में सार
हड्डी की टीबी में किसी एक जोड़ (जैसे घुटना या कूल्हा) में 6 हफ़्ते से ज़्यादा दर्द और सूजन, चलने-फिरने में दर्द और जकड़न, या ऐसा घाव जिससे बार-बार पानी या मवाद निकले, हो सकता है। बुखार और वज़न घटना भी हो सकता है। जाँच करवाएँ, इलाज मुफ़्त है।
Signs of bone and joint TB
- Pain and swelling of one jointfor more than 6 weeks
- Painful, restricted movementstiffness, limping
- A soft swellingthat may contain pus (cold abscess)
- A sinus or wound that keeps discharging
- Muscle wasting around the joint
- Fever, weight loss, night sweatsmay or may not be present
Bone TB in women and children
Bone TB affects both men and women; searches for “bone TB symptoms in female” usually find the same signs. In children, a limp or a swollen joint that does not settle should be checked.
Spine TB is the most important form of bone TB. Read spine TB symptoms.
How it is tested and treated
X-rays, MRI scans and a sample of fluid or tissue help confirm it. Treatment of bone and joint TB often lasts longer than lung TB, as your doctor decides. See treatment of TB outside the lungs.
Get help the same day if
- a joint suddenly becomes very swollen, hot and painful with high fever
Symptoms alone cannot tell you whether you have TB. If you have a cough or fever for 2 weeks or more, weight loss, night sweats or blood in your phlegm, go to your nearest government health facility and ask for a TB test. TB testing and treatment are free there.
Free TB helpline Ni-kshay Sampark: 1800-11-6666.
TB symptoms body mapTap a part of the body to see how TB can show up there.
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Frequently asked questions
Is bone TB contagious?
Bone TB alone does not usually spread to others. If you also have lung TB, it can.
Which joints can TB affect?
Any bone or joint, including the spine, hips and knees. Usually one joint is affected.
How long does bone TB treatment take?
Usually longer than the 6 months for lung TB, set by your doctor. See extrapulmonary TB treatment.
Can bone TB be cured?
Yes, with the full course of treatment. Starting early helps protect the joint.
Medical review note. Written from official TB programme guidelines; last checked 16 October 2026. This is general information, not medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment, see a doctor at your nearest government health facility.