Duration
The length of time required for periostitis to heal depends, among other things, on the cause. For example, periostitis caused by overloading should not take longer than two weeks. This is usually achieved by consistent protection, as well as cooling and taking anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medication such as ibuprofen or diclofenac.
If the periostitis is based on a bacterial infection, it may take many times longer for the symptoms to subside. As a rule, the inflammation heals promptly under the antibiotic therapy administered. Under certain circumstances, the entry portal of the bacteria on the leg may also have to be surgically repaired in addition to drug therapy.
If there are repeated reinfections or systemic involvement of the entire body, it can take months until the periostitis has completely healed. In the case of a complicated course, the treatment would no longer be carried out on an outpatient basis but as an inpatient. For this purpose, many orthopedic trauma surgery hospitals have specialized departments that deal, among other things, with the treatment of periosteal infections.
Chronic course
Chronic periosteal inflammation almost always occurs when there are permanent mechanical causes in the sense of excessive or incorrect loading. Chronic courses can last from months to years. Here it is particularly important to first make an exact diagnosis and determine the underlying cause.
Then a gait analysis should be performed and the corresponding incorrect strain should be diagnosed. Sporting overloading should be avoided.
