Muscle Pain in Legs

We use our legs daily; either we go to office, school, clean the house or cook food. Our body is under continuous work process, that is why it is considered to be the best example of God's magnificent creation. To make it work properly, we need to take good care of it.

Muscle pain in legs can be considered as one of the consequences of the excess usage of leg muscles or it can also happen due to some disorders.

Muscle ache can cause due to many reasons. Some causes may be treated at home but some may require medical attention. So, let's check the causes which may trigger muscle ache and some tips to overcome the pain.

If the pain does not subside on following the tips given here within 4 to 5 days, then consult a doctor immediately.

This is a normal response of your body towards an unusual exertion. This pain lasts for only 2-3 days, and if you continue with the exercise, it will subside on its own. This pain is caused due to the microscopic tearing of muscle fibers. 

 Some simple ways to get relief from muscle ache are:

• Warm up your body before any exercise or any sports activity.
• Take an ice bath or contrast water bath.
• Massage gently on the affected muscle.
• Avoid rigorous exercise for 2-3 days.
• Do some low impact aerobic exercise to increase blood flow.
• If pain continues for more than a week, consult your physician.

Sudden increase in the speed, running without proper warm-up, ignoring the initial signs of a strain, inadequate hydration can be the reason behind the muscle ache after running. Pain is caused due to the tear of muscle fiber and in extreme case due to the rupture of the fibers. Pain in legs at night can result in improper sleep. 

Following points can help you to overcome the pain:

• Warm up properly before running.
• Avoid running if you observe initial signs of strains.
• Include stretching exercises in your warm up routine.
• Keep your body hydrated adequately.
• In case of severe pain or prolonged pain, immediately consult your physician.

Following are some of the remedies for leg pain for the mommy-to-be during pregnancy.

• Massage the cramps.
• Stretch your calf muscles daily.
• Keep yourself hydrated.
• Lie down on your left side to improve the blood circulation.
• A warm water bath will help your muscles relax.

Other reasons for muscle ache can be drugs, over usage of muscles, injury, blood clot, diseases, improper diet, weakness etc.

• Drugs: Intake of alcohol or drugs can result in muscle pain. Smoking also contributes a lot to it.
• Over Usage of Muscles: Sometimes we over use our muscles which results in pain.
• Injury and Blood Clot: Injury can also be a reason. Due to internal bleeding or rupturing of the muscle fibers, a person can feel mild or sometimes severe pain.

• Diseases: Many diseases cause muscle ache like influenza, malaria, polio, diabetes, etc.
• Improper Diet and Weakness: People with improper diet experience pain in their leg muscles. This may be due to deficiency of some vital vitamins like vitamin B1, vitamin B5, and vitamin B6. Lack of water can also be a reason. These deficiency cause weakness and pain.

• Nerve Damage: Nerve damage is very common in diabetic people. Smokers and alcoholics may also face this problem. This may cause numbness, tingling sensation and muscle pain.

We can say that muscle ace is caused due to many reasons but can be taken care of, if we follow the dos and don'ts suggested here or by your physician.

Simple precautions like wearing well fitting shoes, avoiding smoking, performing regular exercise, healthy diet, etc., can decrease the possibility of having muscle pain. So, take proper care, after all, like other parts, legs are also one of the most important parts of our body.