Have you ever experienced going for a run but after a few laps felt such a sharp, intense pain around one of your shinbones that you had to immediately stop your workout, and even walking back home was a challenge? During intense physical activity, it is not uncommon for the delicate tissue surrounding the bone, known as the periosteum, to become inflamed. However, the development of periostitis can have various other causes – one of them being constant overexertion, but injury or infection could also be an underlying factor.
Types of Periostitis:
Although Periostitis most commonly occurs among athletes – among them, runners and weightlifters can be considered particularly vulnerable – it is not exclusively a sports-related disease. Based on the triggering causes, we can differentiate between:
- Acute Periostitis, which develops as a result of an infection or other illness, and
- Chronic Periostitis, where the periosteum becomes inflamed due to some form of injury, strain, or physical impact.
Acute Periostitis
Symptoms
In case of Acute Periostitis, a very strong, stabbing pain felt throughout a more extensive area of the bone. The pain typically arises suddenly and intensely. Due to the infection, the affected limb often weakens, and even minor stress may become unbearable – escalating to the point where the patient is unable to stand. Additionally, there are often:
- fever, chills
- general weakness
- swelling in the affected area
- pus accumulation beneath the periosteum.
Unfortunately, it is general that the first symptoms are often not taken seriously enough, and we only seeking medical attention when the situation worsens. However, in extreme cases, acute inflammation can lead to necrosis of the affected bone area and surgical intervention may be essential for recovery. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a rheumatologist as soon as possible for a complete recovery.
Causes of its Development:
Acute Periostitis develops as a consequence of infection or other illnesses, most frequently:
- urinary tract infections,
- certain sexually transmitted diseases,
- deep cuts,
- chronic ulcers or bedsores,
- conditions associated with immobility,
- diabetes,
- certain autoimmune diseases,
- specific types of cancer,
- disorders of the blood-forming system.
Chronic Periostitis
Symptoms
The symptoms of Chronic Periostitis are similar to those of acute inflammation, but since it is triggered by a physical stress on the bone rather than an inflammatory process within the body, the symptoms are generally milder. Usually, there is no fever or chills among the symptoms. The disease is characterized by pain and pressure tenderness, mainly in a larger area of the affected limb, often accompanied by swelling.
Causes of its Development:
Chronic Periostitis develops when the surrounding tissue of the bone becomes inflamed due to regular overexertion on the bone. This repetitive, excessive force is most often associated with sports activities such as running, jumping, weightlifting, or movements involving sudden changes in direction.
As each sport places strain on different bones, Chronic Periostitis can occur almost anywhere, however, the most common in the following areas:
- in the sole of the foot – often due to conditions like flat feet or other deformities, where some bones are subjected to more stress while others are less loaded during exercise;
- at the heel – caused by improper running or jumping techniques, or wearing shoes that lack proper arch support;
- in the shinbone – if running or engaging in jumping sports without sufficient muscle strength, or due to overloading the shinbone in the case of flat feet;
- in the bones of the hand and forearm, which can be overstrained through racquet sports, prolonged computer use, or occupations such as a bricklayer or a carpenter.
Being overweight is an additional risk factor, as it places extra strain on the bones and joints. Therefore, when engaging in physical activity for weight loss (which is a valuable commitment), it is crucial to be cautious and follow the principle of gradualism: initially avoid running distances and even later, take two rest days a week.
Treating Periostitis
While in the case of acute inflammation mandatory rest combined with antibiotic treatment drainage through injection, and even surgical intervention may be necessary, for chronic inflammation typically involves gentle rest and icing the affected limb, along with the possible use of anti-inflammatory medications. Additionally, obtaining various supports, such as elbow, knee, or ankle support is advisable to alleviate the stressed limb during weight-bearing situations.