Does periostitis heal on its own?

Periostitis generally does not resolve spontaneously. Although symptoms in some mild cases may gradually improve after discontinuing strenuous activities, adequate rest, and application of heat therapy, this does not indicate that the periostitis has completely healed on its own. Treatment of periostitis should be determined according to the patient's specific symptoms and severity of the condition. For mild to moderate cases, timely administration of medications (e.g., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics) or physical therapies (e.g., heat application, acupuncture) often leads to favorable outcomes. However, severe periostitis, especially when caused by infection, may require surgical intervention to remove inflammatory exudate and promote healing. Therefore, patients are advised not to wait for spontaneous recovery but to actively seek medical assistance and undergo appropriate treatment.