Leg Pain – Understanding The Basics

Most of us don’t pay attention to pains experienced in our body unless they start to disrupt our lifestyles. Leg pain is one of these issues. People keep on ignoring this kind of pain and take an aspirin if it really hurts. However, what they fail to notice is the fact that this pain can also occur because of a serious underlying health condition. Let us understand a few reasons why leg pain car occur.

leg pain basicsMuscular cramp- this kind of leg pain often occurs because of dehydration, heat or muscular fatigue. It usually arises suddenly and is quite intense in nature. It usually occurs in endurance athletes or sportsmen who have not conditioned well enough. Old age can also be the reason behind such pains. Usually, it can be reduced with the help of light massage and stretching exercises.

Shin splints- when the muscles of the connective tissues located around the shin bone face any kind of inflammation, this kind of pain becomes quite evident. If you jump or run on hard surfaces, this pain becomes more likely. If you have flat feet, the chances of suffering from shin splints are higher. Ice packs are of great help in this case. You must use good quality supportive shoes to avoid this kind of leg pain.

Inflammation- inflammation can occur in tendons (known as tenditis) or the muscles. In this case, pain is usually felt in the heel or in the calf. The best way to mitigate leg pain is to use ice packs and consume anti-inflammatory medications. If the pain becomes unbearable or severe, it is possible that your Achilles tendon is torn. Immediate medical attention is necessary in this case.

Sprained ankle or knee- sprains vary in intensity and can happen at any time. If the sprain is milder, you can go for elevation, compression, ice packs and some rest. In case the pain is severe, just use some ice to relive the pain for the time being and rush to a doctor immediately. It can be a sign of a fracture.

Sciatic nerve issues- one of the most common reasons behind leg pain could be an issue with the sciatic nerve. This is usually a radiating pain that travels from the base of the back to the buttocks, thighs and your feet. If it happens in specific postures or while moving or stretching, then it is definitely sciatica. You must not wait for a second and visit your doctor immediately.