Diagnosis | Periostitis at the hip

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is based on a combination of physical examination and inflammatory parameters in the blood. During the physical examination, the physician can make a localization of the pain, which will then lead him to the hip joint.An increased leukocyte count and an elevated CRP value suggest the suspicion of an inflammation. Finally, the success of the therapy is also an indication for the diagnosis, even if it only confirms the diagnosis retrospectively. If physical rest and the intake of anti-inflammatory painkillers lead to an improvement, this also indicates that periostitis has occurred. A further clue may be the medical history, in which the affected persons typically describe a continuation of the sport, although they already suffered from pain.

Treatment

The most important approach of the treatment is physical protection. Extended running units should be avoided if possible. Persons who have to run a lot for professional reasons should be put on sick leave for the time of recovery.

Furthermore, those affected can cool the area. This counteracts the inflammation process slightly. The inflammation of the periosteum is treated medically with so-called anti-inflammatory drugs – substances that are intended to prevent or contain the inflammation. After the pain has subsided, however, it is important to take care to only slowly start doing sports again. This can prevent a renewed immediate overstrain.

Drugs

The medication administered depends on the intensity of the pain and the extent of the inflammation. As a rule, a combination preparation is chosen that contains both an anti-inflammatory and an analgesic component. Ibuprofen, for example, would be a member of this group.

However, if the pain treatment is not sufficient, either the dose can be increased or another painkiller can be taken along. The last resort to counteract the inflammatory process would be to use cortisone. However, this should always be done only after consultation with the doctor, as cortisone can cause a number of side effects.

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All articles in this series:

  1. Periostitis at the hip
  2. These symptoms indicate an inflammation of the periosteum at the hip
  3. Diagnosis
  4. Healing time