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Unless you get a response from a general orthopedic surgeon or a podiatrist in one of the very few states where podiatrists are allowed to do surgery above the ankle, you're not going to get anything but an academic answer to the crux of your question, which is the advisability of the surgical release of the restricting sheath, or fascia probably about the Tibialias anterior muscle of the lower leg.
As the acute form of this condition is generally considered a surgical emergency and decompression surgery is quickly mandated, lest intractable harm come to the muscles nerves and blood vessels in the area, sometimes leading to necrosis, by your description, I would conclude that you have the chronic form of anterior compartment syndrome or "shin splints" as it is frequently termed by athletes. This is common in especially long-distance runners, due to the increase in size of the anterior muscles of the lower leg without commensurate stretching of the surrounding restraining sheath or fascia. These athletes generally administer at least some self-treatment for lesser degrees of pain. Primary to conservative treatment is rest, as had been ordered for you.
Professional diagnosis should include pressure measurements within the affected compartments. Prior to my opting for surgery, which would not be done in my hands, but by referral from me, I have employed rest, anti-inflammatory and sometimes diuretics as well as local heat (or icing if activity is still going on)followed by heat and stretching. I would assume that since you have a six year history of this problem, and have been under care, that these techniques and modalities have already been employed, ostensibly without the success you desire.
It is not terribly unusual for conservative management to fail, and if neurologic symptoms are present and increasing in scope and degree, probably surgery should be considered in the hands of someone well experienced in the technique.
The extent of the damage would best be assesses during surgery, if that is to be done. I do not have any personal experience as to any mitigating effect the passage of time or the longevity of the condition would have on the success rates of the surgery. Your complaints of calf pain would seem more appropriate for POSTERIOR compartment syndrome as well.
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