What is shin splints?
Disease description:
I have been experiencing persistent pain in my lower leg, especially after physical activity, and the pain worsens following exercise. After visiting the hospital, I was diagnosed with periostitis of the tibia. I would like to know what exactly is periostitis of the tibia?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Periostitis of the tibia is an inflammation affecting the periosteum, the connective tissue covering the surface of the tibial bone. The periosteum is a tough layer of connective tissue that plays an important role in bone growth, repair, and protection. When inflammation occurs in this area, patients typically experience pain, swelling, and sometimes localized redness and warmth.
The occurrence of this condition is generally associated with multiple factors. The following are possible causes of this disease:
1. Stimulation: Stimulation of the periosteum by physical, chemical, or bacterial factors can cause vasodilation, congestion, and edema in the periosteum and surrounding tissues. It may even lead to pathological changes such as subperiosteal hemorrhage, hematoma organization, and periosteal proliferation.
2. Overuse: Frequent high-impact activities such as running and jumping can also lead to the development of this condition.
Adolescents and athletes are considered high-risk groups because their tibial periosteum is more susceptible to pressure and injury. Treatment options for this condition include physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroid injections, antibiotic therapy, and joint protection measures.
