Leg Pain You Shouldn't Ignore
- Kyle Coppola
September 6, 2019
- What is leg pain? Leg pain can be from a wide range of factors. It may mean you might just need some rest but it can also mean something more harmful like an injury or serious life threatening injury.
Causes include traumatic sports injuries. Other causes can relate to nerves, muscles, joints, blood vessels, soft tissues, or bones among others. Treatment depends on the cause or causes of leg pain.
Often these pains can be treated at home, but if pain is severe or persistent enough or if other symptoms arise, medical attention may be necessary.
Why Does Leg Pain Happen?
Leg pain occurs when the nerves that reside inside the muscle tissues respond to stimulation that involve high levels of pressure, hot or cold temperatures, and chemicals that are released by damaged tissues. It can occur due to overuse of the legs, not enough hydration, diseases, and many other factors but if the pain is severe enough it should not be ignored.
Related Story: Accepting Your Body After An Injury
Quick Facts About Leg Pain
- Although many conditions can be treated at home severe pain could be indicative of a severe condition and should be examined by a doctor or specialist.
- Pain can possibly be caused by serious vascular problems. These problems can lead to potentially life-threatening results such as heart attacks or strokes.
- Shin Splints can be caused by repetitive motions such as running and sports.
What Are Common Types Of Leg Pain?
Many factors can cause leg pain and getting the correct diagnosis is important. Identifying the symptoms and their onset can help assist in finding the appropriate diagnosis. Below are some of the most common types of leg pain.
Hamstring Strain
This type of pain is a common one. It can also be one of the most painful. A strain to these muscles or tendons is associated with running. When the hamstring gets strained the pain will be in the back of the thigh muscle which could be caused by a pulled muscle or tear.
Often, athletes who have not warmed up properly or overstretching this area can lead to a potential risk of injury. Exercising with pulled or torn muscles is dangerous and if the pain is severe stop immediately and seek medical attention.
Knee Pain
Swollen and painful knees can impact anyone’s daily routine so it’s important to treat this. Knee pain can cause swelling of the knee which is never a good thing. Knees are used for so many parts of our daily lifestyle and we often take them for granted. If knee pain develops it could be from a variety of factors ranging from
Arthritis – Inflammation caused by stiffness which can worsen with age
Chondromalacia – Damage to cartilage which resides under the kneecap
Torn Meniscus – Caused by forceful twisting or planting it causes the knee cartilage to tear causing pain and limited range of motion.
Leg Cramps
What is a Charley Horse? It is a painful type of cramp and this pain can come from not getting enough hydration. When this type of pain happens, it hurts severely. Leg cramps are some of the most painful cramps to have. They are often sudden and can even happen without warning. A sharp twisting almost clenching feeling when the leg muscle simply is not hydrated enough a cramp can be induced. Although cramps can come at varying degrees on the pain scale if the cramp is severe your going to know it.
Growing Pains
Do growing pains hurt? Yes they do and this particular type of pain happens to so many children around the world. Growing cramps are not fun at all. Often time children cry because they don’t how to explain what is happening to them. The aching pains of growing bones can likewise cause pain. Although other factors could contribute growing pains are one of those pesky thing’s children have to put up with.
Shin Splints
Shin splints can be painful, and the most likely cause is overuse of the legs. Activities such as running and jogging which involve repetitive motions and forces on the leg can lead to an over exertion of the muscles and tendons. Causing localized tenderness, the shin splints are common for athletes and people who are active.
How To Treat Common Leg Pain?
Most injuries suffered such as small leg sprains or strained muscles can be treated with a few different methods. The most common method is RICE:
Rest: Resting will prevent any further damage from occurring and allows adequate time for the muscle to heal reducing swelling and eventually getting back to normal activity when feeling well enough
Ice: This has been the go-to for so many athletes in their careers. Although simple ice is one of the best things to use when trying to reduce swelling and inflammation.
Compression: Compression sleeves or bandages are available which can likewise reduce swelling and pain. Have you ever seen Olympic athletes use suction cup devices on their skin? Those cause compression's and help athletes recover more quickly.
Elevation: Lifting your leg above your heat can have positive effects. It is amazing how gravity can work wonders on the body. By assisting with the flow of blood and draining of fluids this can assist by reducing pain and swelling in the leg.
Returning to physical activity should be met with caution. Engage in physical activities only when feeling up to it.
Have you had a recent surgery or struggling with leg pain? Click here to check out our great selection of medical products we have available. Helping you live a happier healthier recovery.
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