Inflammation of the periosteum of the hip

definition

Periosteum inflammation of the hip encompasses an abundance of structures involved. Since the hip is actually the joint between the thigh bone and the pelvic bone, there are also two potential bones in which the periosteum inflammation can take place.

Periosteum inflammation in itself is an inflammatory attack on the outer bone layer - too Periosteum called. External influencing factors or harmful substances cause the inflammation. In the case of periosteum inflammation of the hip, the cause is most likely to be seen in athletic or other mechanical overloading of the hip joint.

causes

Such overuse of the periosteum can result, for example, from increased rubbing of the bones. A typical example of this is rubbing the iliotibial band against the greater trochanter. To put it more simply, this means that a flat, very firm cord of tendons, which runs from the outer pelvic bone to the outer shin, rubs against an outer protrusion of the thigh bone.

Normally, these two compartments are separated by a bursa that prevents them from rubbing against each other. However, if this bursa is destroyed or injured, both come into contact with each other. The mechanical stress caused by the tendon then quickly leads to irritation and, furthermore, to inflammation of the protruding bone on the thigh.

to jog

Jogging, or rather running in general, is a risk factor for developing periosteum inflammation on the hip.
However, not every runner has to deal with this condition. As a rule, it is poor running technique or poor running shoes that cause a misalignment in the hip. This in turn can lead to mechanical irritation of the thigh or hip bone, which in the worst case can turn into a fulminant inflammation.

In most cases, however, the mechanical overstimulation already causes pain, which the athlete should not ignore, but must see as a warning signal to give his body a break. In most cases, however, these are ignored, as the pain initially only occurs during exercise.

You might also be interested in the following topic: Diseases of the hip

These symptoms will help you recognize an inflammation of the periosteum on the hip

Periosteum inflammation is particularly noticeable due to pain in the affected region. In the case of the hip, however, the pain can also migrate to the groin or to the outside of the thigh. Depending on the extent of the inflammation, the hip may become overheated. It then feels noticeably warmer than the surroundings.

Redness is unlikely with periosteum inflammation of the hip; the affected bones are covered with too much muscle and fat. However, a blood test can provide further information for the doctor. An increased number of inflammatory cells and an increased CRP value (inflammation parameter) suggest the suspicion of inflammation. This fact then only has to be linked to the sore hip.

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Pain

Pain is usually the first symptom and at this stage should also be interpreted as a warning signal. The body wants to convey that the periosteum is irritated and that one should take care of oneself. Often it is mechanical overstimulation that damages the periosteum but does not yet cause a complete inflammation.

The pain will recede in this early stage, provided you take care of yourself. However, if the already irritated area is further stressed, this can lead to inflammation, which then causes permanent pain. However, with the help of anti-inflammatory pain relievers, these are quite treatable.

Why is periostitis of the hip so common with bursitis of the hip?

As already mentioned above, the long tendon cord on the outside of the thigh - the iliotibial tract - and the protruding bone on the thigh - the greater trochanter - are separated from each other by a bursa so that they cannot rub against each other.

Overloading in this area, for example through incorrect walking posture or the like, always irritates the bursa before the actual periosteum is affected. This spatial proximity to one another can also explain why one of the two inflammations usually also causes inflammation of the other.

diagnosis

The diagnosis is made through a combination of a physical examination and inflammatory parameters in the blood. During the physical examination, the doctor can localize the pain, which will then lead him to the hip joint. An increased white blood cell count and an increased value for the CRP suggest the suspicion of inflammation.

Last but not least, the success of the therapy is also an indication of the diagnosis, even if it only confirms the diagnosis retrospectively. So if physical rest and the use of anti-inflammatory painkillers lead to an improvement, this also speaks for a previous periosteum inflammation.

Another clue can be the anamnesis, in which those affected typically describe continuing sport even though they were already suffering from pain.

For more information on the parameters of inflammation in the blood, read our article: Levels of inflammation in the blood

treatment

The most important approach to treatment is physical rest. Extended running units are to be avoided whenever possible. People who have to run a lot for work should be put on sick leave for the time of healing.

Furthermore, those affected can cool the area. This slightly counteracts the inflammatory process.
Periosteum inflammation is medically treated with so-called anti-inflammatory drugs - substances that are intended to prevent or contain inflammation.

After the pain has subsided, care should be taken to start exercising again slowly. In this way, another immediate overload can be prevented.

Medication

The medication administered depends on the one hand on the severity of the pain and on the other hand on the extent of the inflammation. As a rule, a combination preparation is chosen that contains both an anti-inflammatory and an analgesic component.

Ibuprofen, for example, would be a member of this group. However, if the pain treatment is not sufficient, the dose can either be increased or another pain reliever can be taken with it. The last remedy of choice to counteract the inflammatory process would be the use of cortisone. However, this should always only be done after consulting your doctor, as cortisone can cause a number of side effects.

The following topic may also be of interest to you: Side effects of cortisone

Healing time

The healing time can be very different and is primarily dependent on how much or, better said, not too much the affected person stresses their hips during this time. If you don't allow yourself real rest, healing can take up to six months.

It is much faster with patients who adhere to the rest requirement. Here healing can be completed after three to four weeks. Another influencing factor is whether medication is used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. This fact usually speeds up the healing process.

You can find extensive information under our topic: How long does periosteum inflammation last!