The cream may have helped if there was inflammation of the bone marrow and surrounding bone from an infection (Osteomyelitis). When a bone gets infected the bone marrow swells and presses against the bone’s blood vessels. Joint swelling can cause pain and stiffness.

Did you see a new doctor or had a follow up with the one you saw?
Are you able to get or borrow a kettle bell? Or use one while at the gym?