Leg pain is more common than most people think. This may be because legs are highly susceptible to injury and straining. Additionally, leg pain can be caused by even the most unlikely circumstances, such as extreme cold and dehydration.
If you are prone to suffering from leg pain, it helps to know that there are many effective remedies for it. However, should the pain persist over a few days, consider seeing a leg pain Memphis expert, as chronic pain often points to more serious causes. Here are the five best ways to alleviate leg pain.
Hydrate
Dehydration is a leading cause of leg pain. When your body lacks enough water, muscles tend to cramp and spasm, leading to proverbial leg pain. Be sure to hydrate sufficiently daily to avoid painful muscle spasms and cramps. As a rule of thumb, you should consume between 8-12 glasses of water daily.
Eat Right
Another overlooked cause of leg pain is a poor diet. To alleviate and prevent leg pain, you need to eat foods rich in the nutrients your joints and muscles require. Vitamin D is one of the critical nutrients that your joints need to function properly. Lack of this essential vitamin is partly why there’s usually a surge of leg pain cases in winter, when there is less sun exposure and consequently less intake of Vitamin D. If you cannot get Vitamins C and D in your diet or from the sun, consider taking supplements to get enough of these critical nutrients.
You also want to eat foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and metallic nutrients. Some of the best sources of these minerals include fatty salmon, eggs, and vegetables. Be sure to eat plenty of foods with anti-inflammatory properties, like garlic, turmeric, and ginger.
Get a Professional Massage
Massages can be a godsend when you are dealing with leg pain. They relieve the ache by transporting more blood to the affected area, thus removing inflamed cells. Additionally, the gentle pressure applied to your legs by a professional can significantly reduce muscle soreness and pain.
Consider also using hot and cold compresses on your legs to help ease the pain. A hot compress will quickly alleviate pain caused by overextended muscles, while a cold compress is fantastic for dealing with swollen and sore legs.
Lose Weight
Excess weight often triggers leg pain as the legs are forced to bear a much bigger load than they should. Thus, losing weight can go a long way in alleviating leg pain. One of the best ways to lose weight is to eat natural, unprocessed foods in the right proportions. Exercising regularly will also go a long way in helping you lose those extra pounds.
Exercise Properly
Overextending your muscles during your workouts can cause injury and immense leg pain. It is, therefore, critical that you learn how to exercise properly. Talk to your doctor or trainer about safe exercises for you. If you feel extreme pain and discomfort during your workout, it is best to stop and focus on exercises that don’t cause pain.
Although leg pain is a common problem, there is a lot you can do to alleviate it. This includes maintaining a healthy weight range, getting professional massages, eating nutritious foods, exercising safely, and hydrating. However, if the pain persists for over a few days, it is best to talk to your doctor about it.
