Written by: Marijune Tiamzon, RN, MHPNP
Nowadays, leg pain is a common problem in every age group, and ranges from mild to extremely severe. In the worst-case scenario, it can affect your ability to walk and stand.
There are numerous causes behind leg pain, such as a muscle injury, blockage of blood vessels, or a nerve problem in your spine.
Modifying your lifestyle proves to help relieve leg pain, or at least make it better.
But that's not a permanent solution to the problem, and you should find out the root cause of your aching legs.
Keep reading this article to discover common causes of leg pain and how to alleviate it.
Common Causes of Leg Pain
One of the most common causes of leg pain is muscle cramps, also known as “charley horse.” Some other common causes include:
● Medicines, including diuretics and statins
● Dehydration and low concentration of potassium, calcium, sodium, or magnesium in the blood.
● Muscle fatigue or maintaining the same position for a long period.
● Strain due to overuse of a muscle.
● Inflammation of the leg joints due to arthritis.
● Nerve damage, which is common in people who smoke and drink, or diabetic patients.
● Obesity
● Sciatic nerve pain
When to Worry About Leg Pain
Leg pain is uncomfortable and becomes a hurdle in your daily activities. You usually ignore it, but when you have leg pain regularly, especially at night, it's time to take this seriously.
Here is a list of conditions you must worry and do something to eliminate it as soon as possible. These conditions are:
● If an infection is the reason behind your aching legs, you might be experiencing redness, warmth, and tenderness along with a fever higher than 100°F.
● Calf pain, specifically after prolonged sitting, due to a long car trip or plane ride.
● Swollen legs with breathing issues
● Leg pain at night
What Causes Legs that Ache at Night?
Leg pain at night can be one of the worst kinds of pain and ruin a person's sleeping pattern and daily routine.
The leg pain usually occurs in the calf, thigh, or foot, and lasts anywhere between a few seconds to several minutes. Its intensity depends on many reasons, and some of them are:
● Remaining in the same position for a long period.
● Muscle fatigue due to intense workouts.
● Nerve issues, especially pressure on sciatic nerves.
● Certain medications, for instance, diuretics, blood pressure drugs, or statins, can cause leg pain at night in bed.
9 Best Home Remedies - How to Get Rid of Leg Pain Immediately
Your legs carry your weight throughout the day; sometimes, they don't get enough rest and are bound to fulfill their job and get to work again.
Severe leg pain is not a good sign and should be treated promptly. You may be frustrated due to this pain and want to get rid of it as soon as possible.
To solve your problem, here is a list of simple and effective home remedies that relieve your pain immediately.
#1. R.I.C.E Method
R.I.C.E is an abbreviation for “Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.” This method can treat several physical conditions and alleviate pain, including achy legs with inflammation.
It is an easy method, and you just have to follow these steps:
● Rest: Give rest to your legs and remain off them as long as possible.
● Ice: Apply an ice pack to your legs for over 15 minutes.
● Compression: Try to wear compression socks or an elastic bandage to apply pressure on your legs to reduce swelling and relief pain.
● Elevation: Raise your legs above the level of your heart for about 30 minutes.
#2. Stretches to Relieve Leg Pain and Sciatica
Stretching is one of the easiest ways to relieve leg pain or sciatica at home.
Gentle stretching will help your body maintain mobility and reduce the discomfort of your legs or sciatic nerves.
Make sure to consult a physical therapist; they will recommend the best stretches and exercises according to your need and pain level.
#3. Epsom Salt
A hot bath can relieve body aches almost instantly. It energizes a you and acts as an excellent muscle pain reliever.
A hot bath with a mix of Epsom salt is one of the best combinations to alleviate your leg pain immediately. Epsom salt is a magnesium-rich compound that regulates nerve signals.
#4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider is most commonly used as seasoning, but has some therapeutic effects.
It has been used to treat many conditions for different ages, and it apple cider vinegar plays a vital role in relieving leg pain at home.
All you have to do is to drink apple vinegar cider with water daily, or add a few drops of apple cider vinegar in a water bath and soak your legs in it for 15-20 minutes.
#5. Turmeric
Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and extremely useful in relieving arthritic or sciatic pain. Make a semi-solid paste of it and apply it on your legs, or add a bit of turmeric to your regular diet.
#6. Wear the Right Shoes
Wearing the right pair of shoes can be helpful to ease the pain in your legs. Your shoes should make walking comfortable and relaxing without causing leg pain.
Severe sciatica or achy legs can make it impossible to walk properly. The right shoes may solve this problem and reduce your pain greatly.
Read Article: 5 Best Shoes for Sciatica Nerve Pain
#7. Over-the-Counter Medicines
NSAIDs are used to reduce leg pain at home. They help reduce swelling and pain in the legs. Inform your doctor before consuming them to avoid any side effects.
#8. Creams for Relief in Leg Pain
Creams can also help relieve your chronic leg pain due to multiple reasons.
Creams usually produce a burning or cooling sensation that distracts your body from the pain provides temporary relief.
This safe pain reliever helps you relieve leg pain immediately.
Read Article: 9 Best Creams for Sciatica & Leg Pain
#9. Hot and Cold Packs
Hot and cold packs can reduce muscle stiffness and eliminate pain. T
he heat relaxes the muscles and reduces pain, while cold packs are effective against strenuous muscle injuries or pain.
They numb the affected area and reduce inflammation.
Wrap-Up
Achy legs can adversely affect your daily activities, and we don't want that for you. We hope these tips will help you get rid of your leg pain.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. We strongly suggest seeking the advice and care of a healthcare professional before starting any treatment.