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Pain in the periosteum
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Pain in the periosteum is a typical disease that many athletes face, however, this does not mean that if you are not seriously involved in any kind of sport, this guarantees you from such painful sensations. In general, the periosteum is understood as a special film covering the bone, and many underestimate its special importance for normal development. But it is precisely it that helps blood circulation and bone development in children. Therefore, you should not so easily sacrifice this important part of your body.
Problems with the periosteum can be traumatic or inflammatory. In the latter case, the inflammation can become chronic or acute. Sometimes it can be accompanied by the formation of pus.
[ What causes periosteal pain?
Acute inflammation of the periosteum, called periostitis, is caused by bacteria and fungi that penetrate the film through the blood. There are also other possible causes that can cause pain in the periosteum. These include:
- Received injuries, damages, postoperative complications;
- Muscle strain;
- Lack of rest between workouts;
- Changes in intensity of physical activity;
- Uncomfortable shoes;
- A genetic predisposition to weak muscles and bones.
With constant overloads, incorrect performance of strength and running exercises, pain in the periosteum becomes systematic, which can only worsen the situation.
How does periosteal pain manifest itself?
The main signs that indicate periostitis, in addition to symptoms such as dull pain in the periosteum, are:
- Redness, swelling of the skin;
- Increase in temperature;
- The pain intensifies when touching the affected area, as well as when tapping.
After these symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor to avoid possible complications!
Feelings
The nature of the pain in the periosteum is quite clear, it is impossible not to notice the pain in the periosteum. Most often, the legs are injured, therefore the pain is concentrated in the shin, radiating in both directions: both to the feet and to the thigh. The pain in the periosteum does not go away, appears with every movement. Often occurs directly during running.
How to recognize periosteal pain?
Typically, if you experience periosteal pain, diagnosis involves the following methods:
- X-ray;
- Computed tomography;
- Biopsy (in rare cases).
Also be prepared to share with your doctor information about your lifestyle and possible conditions of the onset of the disease, as well as the need to take all sorts of tests. All this will help in prescribing a course of therapy for the disease that provoked pain in the periosteum.
How to treat periosteal pain?
As a rule, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs can be distinguished among the medications used to treat periostitis. In rare cases, surgical treatment is used. In particularly severe cases of chronic inflammation, which causes excruciating pain in the periosteum and lasts for years and brings suffering to the patient, the only way out may be amputation of the limb. However, in any case, after the disease, it is necessary to follow a number of rules:
- Reduce the load, slow running is possible;
- Use special ointments and gels;
- Monitor the duration and intensity of any exercise;
- Spend more time in a relaxed, calm state;
- Don't get stressed.
Remember that it will take a long time to treat periosteal pain, and recurrence of pain may interfere with your work or sports career!
How to prevent periosteal pain?
After the pain has been completely eliminated, it is necessary to do everything possible to prevent periosteal pain from occurring again. To do this, it is necessary to:
- Exercise only under the supervision of a trainer;
- Don’t try to do something that you can’t do right away – move towards your goal gradually and in stages;
- Do muscle strengthening exercises regularly;
- Change your activity sometimes to avoid physical overexertion.
Wherever you are, no matter how long you have been doing sports, periosteal pain can become a significant problem that you should not put up with! Contact a doctor who will help you get rid of it as quickly and effectively as possible! Follow all his instructions: do not try to return to exercise earlier than expected. Only then will the result you get be completely satisfied!