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Health

Treatment of periostitis

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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In recent years, cases of advanced, poorly treatable diseases, including periostitis, have become more frequent. Timely treatment of periostitis, as a rule, leads to complete recovery.

Treatment of periostitis can be conservative or surgical. The treatment method is chosen based on the severity and progression of the disease.

Conservative treatment of periostitis most often involves the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as lornoxicam, which is prescribed at 8-16 milligrams per day. It has been proven that treatment with lornoxicam accelerates the regressive process in the lesion and restores the process. This drug is very effective in the elderly.

In case of simple periostitis, rest and application of cold are prescribed at first. After acute symptoms subside, thermal procedures and physiotherapy are indicated.

Surgical intervention is often chosen to treat purulent inflammatory processes in the periosteum. Initially, periostitis is treated with antibiotics. After the abscess has formed, it is opened. In this case, an incision is made, the affected area is treated with antiseptics, the cavity is drained for better pus drainage. If periostitis was caused by a diseased tooth, it is most often removed.

In case of periostitis of a specific nature, such as tuberculous and syphilitic, it is necessary to treat the symptoms of the underlying disease.

Ossifying periostitis is treated surgically.

What is periostitis?

Periostitis is usually understood as inflammatory phenomena in the periosteum. At first, the periosteum inside or outside suffers, and a little later other layers of the periosteum are involved. The periosteum and the bone itself are closely adjacent to each other, so there is a rapid spread of the inflammatory process to the areas that are "neighboring". Periostitis can have an acute or chronic course.

The pathological anatomy of periostitis can be non-specific (purulent, simple, serous, ossifying), as well as specific, among which a large percentage are syphilitic and tuberculous.

Simple periostitis is a non-microbial minor inflammatory process that occurs acutely with hyperemia and infiltrate. The bone surface is bumpy upon palpation.

Simple inflammation of the periosteum can be provoked by traumatic or inflammatory lesions, which occur in nearby organs, bones and nearby tissues. Pain and swelling may occur in the affected area. Inflammation of the periosteum affects those areas where their protection in the form of soft tissues is minimal: the ulna, the surface located in front of the tibia. Acute inflammatory phenomena may subside after fifteen to twenty days.

Occasionally, fibrous growths, calcium salt deposits, and the development of osteophytes or ossifying periostitis are formed.

A prolonged inflammatory process in the periosteum often results in the disease becoming chronic, with new bone being formed on the inner layer of the periosteum. It develops as a result of prolonged irritation of the periosteum. Inflammatory catagenesis may be limited in the periosteum or involve tissues and bones.

Ossifying periostitis occurs near necrotic and inflamed tissues, bones, with varicose veins under ulcerated skin, bone tuberculosis. If the irritations that caused ossifying periostitis disappear, further bone formation stops. Periostitis that occurs due to the impact of a process that lasts for many years and is expressed in thickened areas of fibrous and callous nature, fused with bone tissue, is called fibrous periostitis.

Often located on the tibia, if there is an ulcer on the shin, chronic joint inflammation, the presence of bone necrosis. If the inflamed area is extensive, this can provoke superficial destruction of bone tissue. A long-term process often leads to bone neoplasms. If the irritating process is eliminated, then periostitis can stop or stop completely. Then a purulent infiltrate appears in the periosteum. The inner surface of the periosteum becomes loose, because of this it is impregnated with purulent contents that have accumulated between the periosteum and the bone, resulting in the formation of an abscess.

If wounds near the periosteum become infected or the infection comes from other organs located close to the periosteum from a carious tooth - jaw periostitis, infection through the blood, which leads to inflammatory catagenesis in the periosteum of a purulent nature. There are cases when the source of the infectious process cannot be determined. The disease begins with inflammatory phenomena and redness in the periosteum, both fibrous and serous discharge may appear in it. This leads to a disruption of the nutrition of the periosteum, the superficial tissues die. This process can be stopped if the purulent contents are removed in time. If this is not done, the inflammation will spread to the bone and tissues located nearby.

Periostitis with metastatic course is characterized by damage to the periosteum of long tubular bones: femur, tibia, humerus, sometimes several bones at once. Purulent periostitis often results in purulent osteomyelitis. Periostitis is often localized in the distal parts of long tubular bones, more often the femur, less often the shin bones, humerus and ribs are affected. Young men are most often affected. Periostitis occurs mainly after injuries. At first, swelling, pain at the site of the lesion, hyperthermia appear. If infection has not joined, the process is suspended. If inflammation is localized in the joint area, its functions may be impaired. Edema in the inflamed area is dense at first, then it softens, fluctuation appears.

When periostitis is localized in the jaw area, it is called gumboil. Periostitis of the jaw occurs most often as a result of periodontitis or after tooth extraction, hypothermia, tonsillitis or flu. It appears next to the diseased tooth immediately after swelling in the gum.

The course of periostitis begins with a slight swelling in the gum, which gradually increases, and the pain increases. After a few days, an abscess forms. Swelling, which is localized under the eye, indicates maxillary periostitis. Mandibular periostitis causes swelling of the lower jaw. Body temperature reaches 38 °C. The patient notes the spread of pain to the ear, temple, and eye area. The disease can be complicated by the appearance of a fistula, from which purulent discharge is observed. This process is dangerous because with an apparent improvement in the condition (acute symptoms subside), the disease can become chronic. If periostitis is not treated, the process spreads to nearby tissues and is complicated by osteomyelitis and suppuration.

It is also possible to develop tuberculous periostitis, which develops if the tuberculous lesion spreads to the periosteum.

Syphilitic periostitis can develop with tertiary syphilis, in which the diaphyseal areas of the tibia are involved in the inflammatory process, the bone thickens significantly, often symmetrically, which can be confirmed by radiography. The patient is bothered by intense pain in the affected areas, which intensifies at night, swelling that has the shape of a spindle or round, without changes in the skin. Sometimes the gumma can disintegrate, it breaks through, an ulcer is formed.

Periostitis may complicate such diseases as rheumatism, leukemia, gonorrhea, actinomycosis, leprosy, smallpox and typhoid fever. Occasionally, periosteal deposits may be observed on the shin bones with varicose veins, mainly deep ones.

The diagnosis is confirmed by examination of the patient, X-ray examination, clinical examination, laboratory tests (they help determine the stage of the disease).

Treatment of periostitis with antibiotics

Purulent and inflammatory periostitis and its complications of purulent and septic nature are treated with antibacterial drugs. The discovery of antibiotics has advanced medicine several steps forward.

Diseases that were previously considered incurable, thanks to this discovery, no longer look so menacing, and many "hopeless" patients received a chance to recover. But antibiotic treatment, as it turned out, has its drawbacks. And they are associated, most often, with the emergence of resistance of some pathogenic microorganisms to drugs with antibacterial action. For example, in the last years of the fifties, streptococcus was the leader among microorganisms that lead to inflammatory-purulent pathology, as well as to its complications, but at the beginning of the sixties, staphylococcus came out on top, which became enemy number one for the treatment of periostitis and other complex diseases, since it proved that it is not afraid of antimicrobial drugs. Streptococcus, as many years ago, dies from penicillin, but staphylococcus can withstand this antibiotic and many others. In recent years, it has become so resistant to drugs that it forms microbial associations with other microorganisms: staphylococcus-streptococcus, staphylococcus-E. coli, staphylococcus-Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus, as well as other difficult-to-treat forms.

Disadvantages of antibiotic therapy also include various allergic reactions, intoxication, dysbacteriosis, etc. Therefore, treatment of periostitis with antibiotics should be carried out after special tests, cultures for sensitivity, taking into account the individual characteristics of the body, such as age, the condition of the kidneys and liver, their excretory function, the severity of the inflammatory process.

In previous years, shock doses were widely used in the treatment of periostitis with antibiotics.

In modern medicine, such methods are not relevant, since there is an opinion that shock doses can lead to an exacerbation of the process. Among other disadvantages of shock doses are allergic reactions, the occurrence of toxic complications, the development of candidiasis and dysbacteriosis.

For the treatment of periostitis with antibiotics, the most suitable drugs are those that have a tropism for bone tissue. Lincomycin hydrochloride - 0.6 grams twice a day, if the process is severe - three times a day. Clindamycin or dalacin-C - 0.15 grams four times a day, in severe cases - the dose is increased to 0.3-0.45 grams. Rifampicin - 0.45-0.9 grams (the dose is divided into 2-3 doses). It should be taken into account that antibiotics for the treatment of periostitis are taken for at least seven days. If it is necessary to use an antibiotic for a long period, they must be changed every seven to ten days to avoid the development of resistance of microorganisms to this antibiotic and side effects on the patient's body. If signs of any complications appear, it is also advisable to change the antibiotic. Also, with long-term antibacterial treatment of periostitis, the patient should be given a comprehensive clinical blood test weekly, in which leukocytes and white blood are of particular importance. It is recommended to combine antibiotic therapy with antifungal drugs: nystatin - 500 thousand IU every six hours, levorin - 400-500 thousand IU four times a day, griseofulvin 4 times a day at 0.125 grams with one teaspoon of vegetable oil.

If an infection caused by anaerobic microorganisms is suspected, benzopenicillin sodium salt is prescribed at 25-30 million units per day. It can be replaced with ampicillin up to 14 grams per day, carbenicillin maximum dose - up to 40 grams per day intramuscularly or intravenously by drip, celophoridin - up to 6 grams per day, mainly intramuscularly.

Cephalosporins are effective for treating anaerobic infections: ceftriaxone – up to 4 grams per day, cefepime – up to 2 grams every 8 hours. Metronidazole or Trichopolum are very effective against anaerobes – 250-750 mg every eight hours. The disadvantage of metronidazole is that it can penetrate the placental barrier, which makes its use impossible for pregnant women. In case of anaerobic infection, antibiotics are prescribed in combination with nitrofuran sulfonamides: biseptol (a combination drug - sulfamethoxazole with trimethoprim - up to 2880 mg per day, divided into 4 doses, sulfapyridazine - on the first day 2 g per day in one or two doses, in the following - 1 g once. A good result from the use of dioxidine is noted due to its active effect on intestinal, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus, streptococcus, staphylococcus, anaerobe. The drug is prescribed intravenously by drip 600-900 mg per day 2-3 times. Local application of dioxidine is also effective.

Treatment of periostitis at home

Everyone has long known the unwritten truth: treatment of any disease begins with a visit to the doctor's office, so it is better to treat periostitis at home after consulting a specialist. Only those procedures are possible that will reduce pain and, if possible, stop the development of the disease before the patient can get to the hospital. In any case, a visit to the doctor should not be postponed. In no case should you perform warming procedures or apply compresses to the affected area.

Treatment of periostitis outside a hospital is possible only under the supervision of a doctor, to whose appointments you need to come regularly and follow all recommendations and appointments exactly. Treatment of simple periostitis, after a doctor's consultation, is quite possible at home. After all, their entire treatment consists of providing rest to the affected area, applying cold and pain relief, sometimes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed, the use of which is possible at home, provided that the scheme prescribed by the doctor is followed.

It is highly undesirable to treat periostitis of the jaw or, in other words, gumboil at home - this can lead to disastrous results. All folk methods and rinses can only slow down the process and slightly reduce pain. All rinses are performed only for the purpose of disinfecting the oral cavity. In case of purulent periostitis of the jaw, surgical treatment is indicated, during which the abscess will be opened, and only after that, if the doctor considers the patient's stay in the hospital inappropriate, it is possible to further treat periostitis at home.

Treatment of periostitis with folk remedies

  • To reduce pain, cold is applied to the affected area before visiting a doctor. Warming compresses are not used - they provoke further spread of inflammatory phenomena.
  • Leaves of the smoke tree plant in a dosage of 20 g pour 200 grams of boiled water. Infuse for 20 minutes, strain. In case of gumboil, rinse your mouth three times a day.
  • 4 tablespoons of lemon balm leaves are poured with boiling water in the volume of four hundred milliliters. Infuse for 4 hours, preferably in a thermos. Strain the infusion, rinse the mouth.
  • Dissolve 2 teaspoons of sodium bicarbonate in a glass of water at 25-28 degrees. Rinse your mouth three times a day.

Treatment of purulent periostitis

Treatment of purulent periostitis is complex, which consists of combining surgical (opening the purulent focus and creating an outflow of purulent contents) and conservative treatment. After opening the purulent focus, the cavity is washed with antiseptics: 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, if it is the oral cavity - rinsing is done with a 2% solution of sodium bicarbonate, 0.02% furacilin solution, 0.5% chlorhexidine solution. This procedure is carried out on an outpatient basis, inpatient treatment is rarely used.

Treatment of peristitis complicated by suppuration is carried out using sulfonamides: sulfadimethoxine on the first day - 1-2 grams per day, then - 0.5-1 gram per day or sulfadimezine, the highest single dose of which is two grams, the daily dose should not exceed seven grams. Nitrofurans: furadonin 100-150 mg per day to be used from five to eight days. Antibiotics that can be deposited in bone tissue: lincomycin hydrochloride - 0.6 grams twice a day. Antihistamines: diphenhydramine 1% - 1.0 ml, suprastin - from 75 to 100 mg in 3-4 doses daily. Calcium preparations - calcium gluconate 1-3 g per day. Analgesics: analgin 50% solution - 2.0 ml 3 times a day. When the source of pus is exposed, physiotherapy procedures are indicated: sollux, microwave, laser therapy, infrared rays, magnetic therapy, UHF.

Ointment dressings are also prescribed locally: Levosin, Levomekol ointments; Metrogyl Denta ointment has proven itself well for gumboil.

Lotions with dimexide and soda have a good effect.

Treatment of chronic periostitis

Chronic periostitis is characterized by a sluggish inflammation in the periosteum. The radiograph shows clearly limited destructive changes in the bone tissue and periosteum, active hyperplastic changes are observed. The process can become chronic as a result of irrational treatment (preservation of a diseased tooth that cannot be treated) or in the case of a primary chronic course, i.e. the acute stage is erased. At first, a dense and elastic thickening appears in the periosteum, which subsequently becomes painful. A prolonged course without visible changes is typical. Radiologically, moderate destructive changes are detected in the bone, hyperplastic altered tissue is clearly visible in the periosteum.

Treatment of chronic periostitis involves combating the source of infection, such as removing the diseased tooth. Then a course of antibacterial therapy is administered: lincomycin hydrochloride 0.6 g twice a day, ceftriaxone 2-4 g per day. General tonic therapy: vitamins B6, B1, B12 1.0 ml every other day, ascorbic acid 250 mg 2 times a day. Physiotherapy with a resorption effect: paraffin therapy, laser therapy, iontophoresis with KI 5%. If the process is too advanced, complete resorption of periostitis is not always possible.

Treatment of traumatic periostitis

Traumatic periostitis is inflammation of the periosteum due to injury or bruise. Athletes who often receive blows and injuries often encounter this disease.

The pathological process can develop after a blow that hits bone areas covered by a thin muscle layer: the lower part of the forearm bones, metacarpal bones, cranial bones. Moreover, periostitis that occurs as a result of trauma can be only a symptom of a chronic disease, such as osteomyelitis, syphilis, tuberculosis, tumors.

Treatment of periostitis caused by trauma, in the first stages, consists of providing rest to the affected limb. It is given an elevated position.

Ice compresses are indicated in the first few days, followed by physiotherapy: UV irradiation, electrophoresis, UHF, ozokerite applications. If a secondary infection is suspected, antibiotics are prescribed (the same lincomycin). If purulent periostitis develops, the abscess is opened (the periosteum is incised).

Treatment of periostitis of the jaw

Inflammation of the jaw periosteum often appears as a complication of untreated caries. This type of periosteum is dangerous because it develops without precursors, covers both the internal and external layers of the periosteum. The source of the purulent process, initially located in the area of the tooth root, then captures the pulp, collects under the periosteum, causing its inflammation. If the pathological process is located between the tooth and the gum affected by caries, then soft tissues can also become inflamed. The pathological process gradually increases, which, in turn, leads to swelling of the gum, this causes severe pain and the occurrence of gumboil. Gumboil is treated promptly, and urgently, otherwise serious, life-threatening conditions such as abscess or sepsis may occur. Periostitis of the jaw can develop as a result of injury. The disease begins with swelling in the gum area, aching pain of varying intensity. If the cheek and infraorbital area swell, this indicates the onset of a purulent process. The body temperature rises, local lymph nodes enlarge. The disease can be diagnosed during a dental examination. An X-ray of the jaw clarifies the diagnosis.

Treatment of periostitis of the jaw consists of surgical intervention, which consists of opening the abscess and, sometimes, removing the unhealthy tooth, rinsing the cavity with antiseptic solutions, such as 3% hydrogen peroxide, furacilin, and draining the cavity. The procedure is performed under anesthesia. Antibiotics are prescribed: clindamycin 0.15 mg four times a day, rifampicin 0.45 mg twice a day.

Lornoxicam, eight grams per day, divided into two doses. Rinsing with a soda solution: two tablespoons of sodium bicarbonate per two hundred grams of boiled warm water. It is necessary to drink a large amount of liquid.

Treatment of odontogenic periostitis

Odontogenic periostitis is an inflammation of the periosteum that results from advanced caries, when the inflammation of the tooth tissue spreads to the inner part of the tooth - the pulp. It is accompanied by acute pain, swelling at the site of inflammation and nearby tissues, and an increase in body temperature.

Treatment of odontogenic periostitis consists of prescribing the following medications: lincomycin 0.6 g every 12 hours, metronidazole 0.5 mg 3 times a day. Painkillers: analgin 50-2.0 ml with 1% diphenhydramine - 1.0 ml. Lornoxicam according to the scheme indicated above. Drink plenty of fluids, a diet consisting of excluding hard and spicy food. Rinsing with soda solution. Physiotherapy: UHF, electrophoresis. In the absence of a therapeutic effect, surgical treatment of periostitis is indicated, which consists of removing the diseased tooth, opening the abscess.

Treatment of periostitis of the upper jaw

Periostitis of the upper jaw can occur due to diseased teeth and delayed treatment of inflammatory phenomena, which can lead to infectious processes in the upper jaw. Also, maxillary periostitis can be caused by infected wounds of soft tissues in the facial area, as well as fractures of the upper jaw, inflammatory infected processes in the oral cavity, when pathogens from the foci of inflammation enter the upper jaw through the blood and lymph. But the main cause of periostitis of the upper jaw is most often complicated periodontitis and complications that have arisen after tooth extraction, hypothermia, viral infections, tonsillitis. The disease begins with swelling in the area next to the affected tooth, intense pain in the gum area. Then an abscess forms under the periosteum, the cheek under the eye swells. The body temperature is 38 ° C, the pain extends to the eye and temple.

Treatment of periostitis of the upper jaw consists of the use of drugs (antibiotics - lidocaine 0.6 g every 12 hours, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - lornoxicam up to 8 g per day, painkillers - analgin 50% - 2.0 ml, diphenhydramine 1% - 1.0 ml), physiotherapy - UHF, electrophoresis, surgical intervention, which consists of cutting the periosteum and oral mucosa to the bone, removing the diseased tooth, washing the abscess cavity with antiseptic solutions and draining. After surgery, rinsing the mouth with a solution of sodium bicarbonate is also prescribed.

Treatment of periostitis of the lower jaw

Periostitis of the lower jaw occurs 61% more often than a similar pathology in the upper jaw. The strong half of humanity under forty years of age is most susceptible to the disease.

The disease can be caused by inflammation in the first and third molars of the lower jaw. Acute and chronic periostitis in the acute stage can be complicated by a purulent pathological process in the periosteum. Inflammation in the periosteum can be caused by teeth that are hard to cut, suppuration of a radicular cyst, periodontal pathologies, and incorrect dental therapy.

Treatment of periostitis of the lower jaw is conservative, which is similar to the treatment of periostitis of the upper jaw, it is desirable to try to save the tooth. The tooth cavity is opened and sufficient outflow of purulent contents through the tooth cavity is created. Later, if the treatment is not effective, the unhealthy tooth is removed, since it is a source of infection. Treatment is carried out under X-ray control. All surgical manipulations are carried out under local anesthesia.

Treatment of periostitis of the foot

Periostitis of the foot or marching foot is characterized by the restructuring of the middle third of the diaphysis of the second or third, sometimes fourth-fifth metatarsal bones located on the foot, due to the fact that the forefoot is overloaded, neurophysical changes are observed in the foot, blood and lymph circulation is impaired. This pathology is most often found in soldiers in the first year of service, due to prolonged marching and drill training.

Treatment of periostitis of the foot is usually outpatient. Rest and immobilization of the affected foot with a plaster cast for three to four weeks are recommended. Massage, physical therapy, and therapeutic exercise are then indicated.

Treatment of periostitis in children

Periostitis in children occurs due to inflammatory processes in the peridontium. It can be both endogenous and post-traumatic. In children, due to the anatomical features of their body, the disease develops very quickly. The disease begins with local signs of inflammation, subfebrile temperature. The manifestation of the inflammatory process is expressed by asymmetric edema on the side of the affected area, edema of soft tissues, enlargement of regional lymph nodes. The disease, if untimely treatment or incorrect treatment, can be complicated by suppuration or become chronic.

Treatment of periostitis in children involves removing the source of infection, such as a diseased tooth. Prescribed antibiotics are amoxiclav 25 mg/kg of body weight, metronidazole for children aged two to five years – up to 250 mg per day, for children aged five to ten years – up to 375 mg per day, for children over ten years – 500 mg per day. Nurofen – five to ten milligrams per kilogram of body weight, analgin 50% 0.1-0.2 ml per ten kilograms of body weight. Diphenhydramine 1% 0.5-1.5 ml. Vitamins:

"Multitabs" one tablet per day during or after meals. Physiotherapy: Electrophoresis, UHF. In case of purulent periostitis, surgical treatment, rinsing of the cavity with antiseptics, drainage are indicated.

Ointments for periostitis

Vishnevsky ointment

Vishnevsky ointment helps stop the purulent process, relieve swelling and toothache. Xeroform, which is a component of the drug, acts antibacterially, birch tar stimulates blood circulation in the damaged area, while thanks to castor oil, the medicinal components penetrate deeper. Vishnevsky liniment can be used at the onset of the disease and after opening the purulent focus.

The ointment is applied to the skin or mucous membranes directly above the area of periosteal damage. The ointment is used to more quickly reduce inflammation, speed up healing of diseased tissues, and significantly reduce pain.

Apply balsamic liniment to an aseptic napkin, then apply to the affected area for 2-3 hours. When using the ointment, remember that it cannot be used if there is the slightest suspicion of an abscess at the affected area, as this can worsen the condition and lead to complications.

Metrogyl Denta

The preparation, which has a gel-like consistency, kills pathogenic bacteria, due to the fact that it contains metronidazole and chlorhexidine, easily get to the center of the pathological process, anesthetizes, reduces swelling, prevents suppuration. The gel should be applied to the skin or mucous membranes over the site of inflammation of the periosteum. Apply three times a day until the inflammatory phenomena subside.

Levomekol

The ointment consists of components that have a broad spectrum of action against bacteria and have good tissue regeneration capabilities. The properties of Levomekol are not lost even if suppuration occurs, as it has the ability to clean the wound surface and has a hydrophilic base that does not form a greasy film, but allows tissues to "breathe". In this case, the ointment is applied to a sterile napkin and applied to the affected area for two hours, dressings with Levomekol are recommended to be done three times a day until recovery. When opening an abscess, the ointment is applied directly to the wound cavity.

I would like to remind you that there are no medications without side effects, so self-medication is very harmful and fraught with serious consequences. At the slightest suspicion of inflammation of the periosteum, you need to contact a medical institution, where a doctor will prescribe competent treatment for periostitis.

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