6 Ways To Get Rid of Leg Pain 

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Leg pain can significantly impact your life by interfering with daily chores. As per the CDC, 36.5% of residents of the US suffered from lower limb (leg) pain in 2019. In most cases, lower back pain accompanies leg pain.

The consequences of this type of pain are severe. According to a study, people suffering from leg pain (below the knee level) had frequent visits to the ER for pain management. The patients had a poor quality of life and were likely unemployed. The study found this condition worse than lower back pain. These effects call for effective interventions for pain relief. 

If you are curious about your discomfort and want to know how to get rid of leg pain fast, this article ican offer some helpful tips. Keep reading to learn about the best ways to get rid of leg pain quickly!

What Causes Leg Pain? 

Knowing the underlying cause of the leg pain is crucial before jumping on to the treatment strategies. Causes of leg pain range from overuse injuries to serious, underlying medical complications such as vascular disease.

Overuse Injury 

Excessive and repetitive use of the muscles without rest puts them under unwanted pressure. The ultimate result is an overuse injury. Such injuries and the associated leg pain are common in athletes (runners, cyclists, etc.). 

Injury/Fracture 

Injury/trauma to the leg can lead to the development of muscle aches. Severe trauma to the leg can disrupt the bone, and a fracture can be an evident cause of leg pain. Redness, swelling, and heat in the affected area are common indicators of leg fractures. 

Muscle Spasms/Strains

Sprains in the calf and leg muscles (especially hamstring muscles) can be a source of pain. Muscle sprains and strains are frequently the outcomes of dehydration and muscle weakness. You can avoid sprains/strains by maintaining your water reserves and keeping your muscles strong.

Inflammatory Conditions 

Chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis are the prevalent causes of leg pain. Radiographic scans reveal that knee osteoarthritis is associated with excruciating and persistent knee pain. Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the lower back and leg region. 

Vascular Issues

Chronic venous diseases such as varicose veins and venous sufficiency can manifest as leg pain. A varicose vein is a condition where the leg veins dilate and become dilated, and the swollen veins can progress to leg pain. The condition is a manifestation of venous insufficiency.

Sciatica 

Inflammation of the sciatic nerve in the low back can potentially cause leg pain. The nerve pain usually radiates from the lower back down to the left. The left leg is most commonly affected; however, it may affect any leg. Diagnosing and treating sciatica can be a little tricky. 

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Leg Pain Ebook

 

How To Get Rid of Leg Pain Fast

To instantly rid your leg of pain, you can revert to over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers such as ibuprofen and diclofenac sodium. Muscle relaxants such as Tramadol may also decrease muscle tension.

Home Remedies for Leg Pain 

The following are some of the most effective home remedies for instant relief from leg pain due to minor injuries:

  1. Follow the RICE Method

The RICE treatment is a straightforward self-care method to relieve leg pain. It includes:

Rest

As muscle sprain is a prevalent cause of leg pain, taking rest and limiting movement allows for healing of the injured tissue and results in pain relief. 

Ice Application

You can apply ice or a cold pack of peas to the painful leg to get pain relief. Cold application (or cryotherapy) removes leg inflammation and reduces pain.

Compression 

You may also wrap a bandage around the leg to reduce swelling. Compression is especially helpful in cases of varicose veins. 

Elevation 

Keep your painful leg elevated to alleviate pain. Placing pillows under the legs before you sleep can reduce the pressure on your legs. 

  1. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration has been linked to muscle cramps for a long time. Dehydration and electrolyte depletion in marathon runners causes leg muscle cramps. Therefore, you can improve your symptoms by drinking plenty of water. But be careful not to go overboard by consuming excess water as it can damage the kidneys.

  1. Try Heat Therapy

Heat application to painful and taut muscles of the leg can release pressure, and research shows that heat closes the pain receptors and alleviates muscle tension. Superficial heat therapy has shown to be beneficial in providing pain relief to osteoarthritis and knee injury patients.

Heat-wrap therapy is effective for leg pain due to low back pain (LBP). Some patients find relief by alternating heat and cold therapy. 

  1. Try Massage Therapy 

Getting a massage from a professional massage therapist has multiple therapeutic effects on the body. The hands of a masseuse enhance the blood flow of the affected muscles. The enhanced blood supply removes inflammatory cells and relieves pain. 

People experiencing leg pain as a consequence of low back pain (LBP) can significantly benefit from this simple remedy. This therapy also reduces stress and anxiety

  1. Stretches and Exercise

In several cases, weak muscles are the cause of leg pain. A sedentary lifestyle diminishes blood flow to the limbs (especially the lower limb), leading to frequent cramps, spasms, and nerve impingements. Stretches and light exercises can strengthen the torso, abdomen, and leg muscles; this prevents leg pain in the long run. 

  1. Follow an Anti-Inflammatory Diet 

Consuming anti-inflammatory foods is the ideal answer to how to get rid of leg pain. Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet routine is the best way to flush out aches and pains from your legs. Ginger, garlic, and turmeric are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Numerous studies have established the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory roles of ginger. As per a meta-analysis, turmeric extracts (containing curcumin) evidently alleviate symptoms of arthritis. Thus, noticeable pain reduction may be seen in knee osteoarthritis patients.

How to Keep Your Legs Strong

You can strengthen your leg and hip muscles by carrying out different exercises. The most potent ones include:

  • Squats 
  • Lunges
  • Alternate knee lifts 
  • Calf raises 
  • Knee extensions and knee curls
  • Leg extensions

Following an anti-inflammatory diet and exercising daily can keep your leg muscles robust. Strong muscles can bear greater forces and pressure. Thus, keep leg pain at bay.

When to visit a doctor

When your symptoms have lasted more than 6 months and hindering normal daily activity, then it is best to visit a physician. Your primary care doctor can also refer you to the proper specialist. The primary care physician may refer you to a orthopedic doctor or vascular doctor based on a number of tests and asking questions about the type of pain, location, and medical history. 

If you live in Maryland, D.C., Virginia, or New Jersey you can visit a the location page to find the vascular doctor near you.

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Leg Pain Ebook

 

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