What is periostitis?
Periostitis, or inflammation of the periosteum, is a condition that occurs when the periosteum—the tough outer membrane that covers the bones—becomes inflamed. The periosteum is rich in blood vessels and nerve endings, making it very sensitive to injury and infection. Periostitis can arise from various causes, most commonly due to injuries, overuse, infections, or certain diseases.
One of the most frequent causes of periostitis is excessive use of a particular body part, which can irritate or cause micro-injuries to the periosteum. For example, athletes involved in running or other activities that place high stress on the legs may develop periostitis around the tibia. Injuries such as fractures or direct blows can also lead to inflammation of the periosteum.
Symptoms of periostitis include pain, redness, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area. The pain usually worsens with movement, especially during physical activity or pressure on the affected site. People with periostitis often experience discomfort when the area is touched or during movements involving the injured part.
In some cases, periostitis may be caused by infection, such as osteomyelitis, which requires urgent medical attention. Treatment may include rest, ice application, pain relief medications, physical therapy, or, in severe cases, surgery. Because the periosteum contains many nerve endings, inflammation can cause intense pain, so it is important to seek medical care if periostitis is suspected. Early treatment can prevent worsening of the condition and ensure a faster recovery.
Causes of Periostitis
Periostitis most commonly occurs in athletes, especially those engaged in sports involving a lot of running, jumping, or intense physical exertion. Track and field athletes, basketball players, and footballers are among the groups most affected by this condition due to the nature of their activities. However, periostitis can also develop in others who overuse certain body parts or are exposed to repetitive stress. Here are some of the main causes of periostitis:
Overuse and Overstrain:
One of the most common causes of periostitis is excessive use of specific body parts, especially in athletes. Intense training and physical activities without adequate recovery time can cause microtraumas to the bones and periosteum. This often happens when athletes subject their bodies to continuous stress, such as prolonged running or frequent jumping. These microtraumas can lead to inflammation, which gradually develops into periostitis.
Inappropriate Footwear:
Shoes that do not provide proper support or cushioning can significantly increase the risk of developing periostitis. Wearing old, worn-out, or unsuitable shoes, as well as footwear not tailored to the specific sport, can lead to improper pressure distribution on the feet and legs. This creates excessive tension on the bones and periosteum, causing inflammation and pain.
Poor Technique:
Incorrect technique during running, jumping, or other physical activities can be a significant risk factor for periostitis. For example, running with improper leg alignment or uneven weight distribution during jumps can overload certain body parts, especially bones and the periosteum. This overload can cause tissue damage and inflammation.
Trauma:
Direct impact or injury to the bones can cause acute periostitis. These injuries may occur from accidents, falls, or sports injuries that directly affect the bones and periosteum. In such cases, inflammation arises as a reaction to the injury, and symptoms may be more acute and severe.
Symptoms of Periostitis
Symptoms of periostitis can vary depending on the severity and location of the inflammation, but there are some key signs that may indicate this condition:
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Pain: The most prominent symptom of periostitis is pain along the bone, especially in the lower leg area, though pain can occur in other parts of the body as well. The pain usually develops gradually, particularly during or after physical activities such as running, jumping, or prolonged standing. Initially, the pain may be mild, but as the inflammation worsens, it can become more intense and constant.
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Tenderness: The affected area becomes sensitive to touch, and any pressure on the inflamed site can cause discomfort. Tenderness may be present during everyday activities such as walking or wearing shoes. This sensitivity is often the first sign that there is a problem with the periosteum.
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Swelling: In many cases, periostitis causes swelling at the site of inflammation. The swelling occurs due to increased blood flow and fluid accumulation in the affected area as a result of inflammation. This swelling can be visible to the naked eye and may cause a feeling of tightness or tension in the affected body part.
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Warmth: Because of the inflammation, the affected area may feel warm to the touch. Warmth is a natural response of the body to inflammation, as more blood is sent to the affected area to fight infection or injury. If you notice that the skin over a certain part of your body is warmer than surrounding areas, this may be a sign of inflammation, including periostitis.
Treatment of Periostitis
Treatment of periostitis requires a careful approach and timely intervention to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and speed up the recovery process. At our In Locco Physio & Aesthetic Center, we provide comprehensive treatment based on the latest physiotherapy methods. Our team of experts uses effective techniques to help you recover quickly and safely, often without the need for surgical intervention.
Conservative treatment methods include:
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Electrotherapy: This treatment uses electrical energy to reduce pain and inflammation, improve circulation, and accelerate tissue regeneration. Electrotherapy is very effective in treating periostitis, as it delivers targeted deep energy to the affected area, helping reduce pain and improve functionality.
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Ultrasound therapy: Ultrasound uses sound waves to stimulate tissues and deeply heat the affected area. It helps reduce inflammation and speeds up the regeneration of the damaged periosteum, leading to faster symptom relief.
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Laser and magnetotherapy: These techniques use light and magnetic waves to decrease inflammation and stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. Laser therapy promotes faster cell regeneration, while magnetotherapy improves circulation and accelerates healing.
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Rest and ice application: A classic but highly effective method to reduce pain and swelling. Our team will guide you on the proper use of ice and optimal timing to achieve maximum effect. Rest is crucial for recovery, and our physiotherapists will help you adjust exercise intensity to prevent recurrence.
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Shockwave therapy: Shockwave therapy helps with periostitis by reducing inflammation, alleviating pain, and stimulating tissue regeneration. Acoustic waves improve circulation and accelerate the recovery process, easing pain and speeding up healing.
Periostitis is a serious condition that can significantly affect quality of life, especially for athletes and active individuals. Fast and effective treatment at our center can help you return quickly to daily activities and sports. With proper therapy and guidance from our physiotherapists, you can recover without long interruptions to your routine.
Prevention
Prevention is key: Our team will also provide you with advice on proper exercise techniques, choosing the right footwear, and gradually increasing training intensity to help prevent the recurrence of periostitis and maintain the health of your bones and periosteum.
If you experience any symptoms of periostitis, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Visit us at the In Locco Physio & Aesthetic Center and let our experts assist you in a fast recovery. Early treatment and proper therapy can significantly improve your quality of life and enable you to return to your favorite activities.