Introduction
The clinical picture of periostitis of the tibia is mainly characterized by sudden, pressing pain in the area of the tibia. These may radiate or be felt localized when moving to adjacent regions. Since the inflammation of the surrounding soft tissues is usually accompanied by a swelling or redness of the surrounding skin areas.
Definition
A periosteitis of the tibia is an acute or chronic inflammatory change in the periosteum. The periosteum surrounds the bone and is sensitive to pain. Its function is to protect and nourish the bone.
The inflammation of the periosteum is also known as periostitis. Inflammation of the periosteum occurs mainly in childhood and can have various causes. In principle, the periosteum of any bone can be affected by an inflammation, with the shin bone being affected relatively frequently. An inflammation of the periosteum of the shin bone should be treated quickly to prevent the inflammation from spreading to the rest of the body. There are numerous conservative, but also operative measures available for treatment.
Causes of periostitis
The main cause of periostitis of the tibia is based on mechanical irritation and excessive strain. Thus, especially in young athletes, the inflammatory change in the periosteum, which is usually localized in the area of the tibia, occurs. There are a large number of muscles in the area surrounding the tibia, some of which are under great strain during sporting activities and can thus lead to frictional stress on the surface of the periosteum.
As a rule, the person affected does not notice these rubbing processes. In the case of high or excessive physical strain, these can lead to the development of an inflammatory reaction in the area of the periosteum of the tibia. If, after obtaining a specimen (biopsy), the inflammatory changes in the periosteum are analyzed histologically using a microscope, edematous thickening caused by the accumulation of tissue fluid in the periosteum can be detected in the area of the periosteum, which is based on permanent mechanical stress.
In addition to the inflammatory thickening, there is also an increased amount of connective tissue formed by the body to protect the mechanically stressed bone. Sometimes, particularly in the area of the bone-tendon attachments of the muscles, ossification occurs early on, which can also be seen as a protective measure of the body. On the other hand, these processes promote an increased inflammatory reaction in the area of the periosteum.
An inflammation of the periosteum can also be caused by bacteria. In most cases, a bacterial infection of the periosteum is caused by the immigration of germs, such as staphylococci, which normally live on the skin without causing a pathological change. In the case of a bacterial inflammation of the periosteum, the bacteria usually enter the area of the skin, for example through a small wound.
- Periostitis at the coccyx
- Periostitis at the knee
Jogging is one of the common causes of tibial edge syndrome. Too hard a floor covering when jogging plays an important role in the development of periosteitis of the shin bone. The movement on the hard road surface strains the muscles, tendons and muscle sheaths (fasciae).
This can irritate and inflame the periosteum. Incorrect footwear and overloading promote the development of periosteitis when jogging. Besides jogging, skiing can also lead to periosteitis of the shin bone.
Skiing puts enormous strain on the musculature. Those affected often carry out training that is too one-sided and too intensive, thus overloading their muscles. Risk factors for tibial edge syndrome are, in addition to overloading, overtired muscles, a change of technique during movements and a change of floor covering.
Incorrect footwear and foot deformities can also promote the occurrence of periostitis. Skiers often train very eagerly and for a long time. Inflammation of the periosteum at the shin bone can be a reaction of the periosteum to the increased traction of the muscles, tendons and fasciae. The periosteum is stressed so much by overloading and changes in movement that it can become inflamed.
