Summary about Disease
Periostitis is the inflammation of the periosteum, a membrane of connective tissue that surrounds bone. This inflammation can cause pain and tenderness in the affected area. It can result from various causes, including injury, infection, or underlying medical conditions.
Symptoms
Bone pain (aching, throbbing, or sharp)
Tenderness to the touch
Swelling
Redness
Warmth in the affected area
Possible limping (if in the leg)
Possible fever (if caused by infection)
Causes
Injury: Trauma or repetitive stress to the bone (e.g., shin splints in runners).
Infection: Bacterial infections can spread to the periosteum.
Underlying Medical Conditions: Syphilis, tuberculosis, certain cancers, and metabolic disorders.
Vascular Issues Insufficient circulation and bloodflow.
Medicine Used
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) can help manage pain and inflammation. In severe cases, prescription pain medications may be necessary.
Antibiotics: If the periostitis is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics will be prescribed.
Corticosteroids: In some cases, corticosteroids may be used to reduce inflammation.
Bisphosphonates - sometimes helpful in chronic periostitis
Is Communicable
Periostitis itself is not communicable. However, if the periostitis is caused by an infection (like a bacterial infection), that infection may be communicable depending on the specific type of infection. The periostitis itself is merely a symptom.
Precautions
Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate the pain.
Ice: Apply ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
Compression: Use a compression bandage to reduce swelling.
Elevation: Elevate the affected limb to reduce swelling.
Proper footwear: Wear supportive shoes if the periostitis is in the leg or foot.
Gradual Increase in Activity: If caused by overuse, gradually increase activity levels to prevent recurrence.
Treat underlying infection: Immediately treat any underlying infection with antibitotics
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of periostitis depends on the cause and severity.
Mild cases (e.g., from overuse): May resolve within a few weeks with rest and conservative treatment.
More severe cases (e.g., from infection or significant injury): Can take several months to heal. Chronic cases can persist longer.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical Examination: A doctor will examine the affected area for tenderness, swelling, and redness.
Medical History: The doctor will ask about your symptoms, activities, and any underlying medical conditions.
X-rays: X-rays can help to rule out fractures or other bone abnormalities and sometimes show periosteal thickening.
MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides more detailed images of the soft tissues and bones and can help identify inflammation and infection.
Bone Scan: A bone scan can detect areas of increased bone turnover, which may indicate inflammation.
Blood Tests: Blood tests can help identify infections or underlying medical conditions.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline can vary depending on the cause:
Acute Periostitis (e.g., from injury): Symptoms may appear suddenly after the injury. Pain, swelling, and tenderness develop rapidly.
Subacute Periostitis: Symptoms develop over a few days to weeks.
Chronic Periostitis (e.g., from overuse): Symptoms develop gradually over several weeks or months. Pain may be intermittent at first, then become more constant.
Important Considerations
Early Diagnosis: Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications.
Underlying Cause: Identifying and treating the underlying cause of the periostitis is crucial for successful treatment.
Compliance with Treatment: Following your doctor's instructions for rest, medication, and physical therapy is essential for healing.
Recurrence: Periostitis can recur if the underlying cause is not addressed or if activities are resumed too quickly.
Differentials: Conditions like stress fractures, bone tumors, and osteomyelitis should be ruled out.