These symptoms indicate an inflammation of the periosteum of the knee

The leading symptom of periosteitis of the knee is the pain that occurs, which is usually greater under stress than at rest. Another typical symptom is warm knees. This warming is due to the increased blood flow, which is a typical accompanying symptom of any inflammation.

This also leads directly to the next visible sign: reddening of the knee and an increase in volume. It is always best to assess this in comparison with the other knee, as the difference is easier to see here. Pain is the most characteristic symptom of periosteitis.

Unfortunately, it is also a symptom that occurs in most knee diseases. Typically, the affected persons feel the pain in the first phase only during the load. The body wants to convey that overloading has occurred.

This may be due to a defective position or a sport-induced overload. If this is not followed by sufficient rest, the partially affected periosteum can develop into a fulminant inflammation, which then also causes movement-related pain. However, the pain can be controlled quite well with painkillers.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is usually a combination of the patient’s medical history, the localization of the pain through a physical examination and the results of a blood sample. Typical statements in the anamnesis would be, for example, the continuation of sports although pain was already present or a known foot or leg malposition. By palpating the knee, the pain can be localized.

In addition, other causes such as menisci can be virtually ruled out in this way.In the additional blood test, signs of inflammation can usually be detected. This usually shows an increased leukocyte value and an increased amount of C-reactive protein. These two markers are the strongest indications that there must be an acute inflammation in the body.

Treatment/Therapy

The treatment is a combination of different approaches, the most important of which is certainly physical protection. Extensive 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 affected persons can cool the place. This counteracts the inflammation process slightly. The inflammation of the periosteum is also treated 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 exercising again. This can prevent a renewed immediate overstrain. The medication administered depends on the intensity of the pain and the extent of the inflammation.

As a rule, a combination preparation is chosen which 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. Taping of the knee can be an additional approach, but will not be sufficient on its own if physical rest is not taken.

Conventional medical studies that have certified the kinesiology tape to be clearly effective do not yet exist. However, many sportsmen and sportswomen are impressed by this additional option. Since the tape – except for known incompatibilities against its ingredients, such as the glue – has no negative consequences whatsoever, there is no reason why it should not be used.