Which diseases of the periosteum are there?
An inflammation of the periosteum is also called periostitis. Since the periosteum is interspersed with numerous nerve fibers, an inflammation often causes severe pain. This occurs particularly frequently in the area of the tibia.
In addition, there is a strong swelling due to increased fluid content. However, this is usually not visible superficially on the skin. The diagnosis is made clinically and on the basis of the physical examination.
In case of doubt, an X-ray is taken. In general, there are two possible causes of periosteitis. One possible cause is a bacterial infection, for example with staphylococci.
Often, after a bone marrow inflammation caused by bacteria, the infection spreads from the bone marrow to the periosteum. A weakened immune system, for example in the context of an immunosuppressive therapy, has a beneficial effect. This is usually treated with the administration of antibiotics.
A second possible cause is periostitis in the context of mechanical overload. The areas affected are usually those in which a muscle, ligament or tendon attaches to the bone. The therapy in this form consists of immobilising the affected area of the body.
In addition, the area can be cooled and, if necessary, anti-inflammatory medication can be taken. A periosteum irritation can theoretically occur throughout the body. However, this very painful irritation occurs particularly frequently in athletes in the area of the shin bone or forearm.
The cause of periosteum irritation is a continuous overloading as caused by daily training. Likewise, an incorrect load, for example due to an incorrect running style during sport, can be the cause of the problem. A change in a movement sequence can also lead to irritation, as the body is not yet accustomed to the new movement.
A perceptible irritation of the periosteum is caused by severe pain. In most cases, this only occurs during exercise. More rarely, a pain at rest or a pressure pain occurs.
Due to the severe pain, the affected person is often severely restricted when doing sports or even simple physical work. The therapy consists of immobilising the affected body area. To relieve the pain, the area can be cooled.
In addition, short-term medication can be taken to relieve the pain. However, this should not be done regularly. Furthermore, a targeted training control should be considered.
Tapes and insoles can also be used to reduce or better distribute the load during sport. Since the periosteum is strongly interspersed with nerves, an injury usually causes severe pain. Periosteum injuries are usually associated with damage to the bone or the muscles and its tendons.
Since the periosteum is firmly attached to the bone, a fracture is a common cause of periosteum injury. Furthermore, the periosteum can be damaged by a direct violent impact such as a blow. The bone can also be damaged.
In addition, the periosteum can be partially damaged by an inflammation or an irritation of the periosteum. The diagnosis can be made on the basis of clinical appearance and physical examination. In case of doubt, an X-ray is taken. Therapy depends on the cause and may include, for example, immobilization or antibiosis.
