How to treat a periosteal injury
Disease description:
I recently got injured accidentally while exercising. Now the injured area is painful, and my movement is also restricted. After visiting the hospital, the doctor diagnosed it as a periosteal injury. Are there any ways for me to recover as soon as possible without affecting my normal daily life?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
The treatment of periosteal injury should be tailored according to the severity and type of injury, as well as the individual patient's condition.
1. Diagnosis and Evaluation: Obtain a detailed medical history to understand the injury mechanism, including whether there has been repetitive trauma or a single severe injury. Examine the affected area for swelling, pain, and degree of restricted movement. Conduct imaging examinations—X-rays may show fractures or periosteal thickening; MRI can more clearly reveal details of the periosteal injury.
2. Rest and Immobilization: Adequate rest of the injured area is essential to avoid further activity that could worsen the injury. Immobilization is particularly important in cases of periosteal damage caused by trauma, as it can effectively relieve pain and prevent exacerbation of the condition.
3. Medication: Oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as diclofenac sodium sustained-release capsules or loxoprofen sodium tablets, can alleviate local inflammation and pain. Oral Chinese patent medicines that promote blood circulation, remove blood stasis, and relieve pain (e.g., Huoxue Zhitong Capsules), or topical applications such as safflower oil or analgesic tinctures may be used to improve circulation and reduce swelling. For severe acute episodes accompanied by intense pain, corticosteroid injections (e.g., triamcinolone acetonide or hydrocortisone) may be considered.
4. Physical Therapy: During the recovery phase, application of compresses may be performed to promote blood circulation and accelerate healing.
