Periostitis Treatments - non-athlete desperate for ideas!

[boredathome]

Hello,

Please can anyone tell me what treatments I can try for Periostitis (both legs)?

Can't even get to work without pain - bilateral periostitis & tight muscles + tendonitis in both knees. Feels worse in one leg than the other although the x ray showed it the same in both. I had suspected small muscle tears in that leg last year though (lasted for months).

Tried so far...
- Physio twice a week for the last year (massage & intermittent electric therapy) + stretches at home
- Calcium supplements + painkillers
- Ice & hot salt baths
-RICE every weekend, not so easy in this office although I sit with my legs up on a box under the desk!
-Off to see a podatrist next week too for possible insoles

Would swimming or other exercise help? TENS machine at home? If anyone has knowledge or experience on this I'd love to hear it! In total I've had problems with my leg/legs for about 18 months & just want to go back to normal life!

Thanks!

[Heidi]

I think going to a podiatrist is a good next step. If you haven't had your feet properly assessed before then this may be really beneficial.
In the meantime, keep stretching the calf muscles 3-5 times a day and icing regularly.

[boredathome]

Thanks for the advice, will make sure I keep doing those things!

I went to the podiatrist yesterday - it turns out both heel bones turn inwards.
This is causing a flat foot arch when standing / walking. Despite not feeling any symptoms in my heels or feet, this could be the cause of all my problems (my feet only really hurt now after being pushed & examined!). I'm having custom orthopedic insoles made which I hope will bring relief soon once I learn to walk with my ankles vertical.

I would advise anyone with lower leg problems to get their feet examined too if there's no obvious accident or cause! I wish I had worked this out earlier and saved myself months of problems.