What can we do against painful legs?

What can we do against painful legs?

Pain... there are so many types. Some very faint, some really dominant. Pain is a warning sign, pain tells us: there's something that needs your attention. In many cases, it's essential to see your GP. In other cases, there's no harm in "listening to your body" first and examine what you see and feel. This will also help you to describe your problems more clearly if you decide to visit your GP after all.

Let's face the legs today and see if we can make a first diagnosis.

Painful legs; symptoms; possible cause; suggestions for treatment.

Symptom Could be Treatment
Leg cramps A build-up of lactic acid and chemicals in the muscles after exercise or sweating (losing sodium salts affects muscle cells). Night cramps may be due to narrowing of the blood vessels. Massaging, stretching, and drinking lots of water help. Severe night cramps may be treatable with medication. If cramps persist for more than an hour,see your GP.
Pain down the front and sides of the lower leg that gets worse during exercise. Shins feel tender and tight. Shin splints - inflammation of the tendons and muscles attached to the shin as a result of friction and pressure during exercise. Should clear up after a week or two or rest, although see a GP if pain is severe or recurs. A bandage can stop swelling. Joggers may need new trainers and should run on soft surfaces such as grass.
Prickling, "crawling",aching or burning sensation in the legs. Restless-leg syndrome. This may be caused by iron-deficiency, anaemia and low blood levels of folates and B-vitamins, or, rarely, Parkinson's disease. Ask your GP for a blood test to identify vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Drugs can control this condition with varying results. For instant relief, raise the legs and apply a cold compress.
Thu, 04 Oct 2007 | Posted in: Fitness | Posted by: Georgette Henson

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