What Causes Leg Aches

Our legs are the ones who take and carry our load. It is our feet that bear the body weight. Due to certain activities that we indulge in and our own hectic lifestyles, we unintentionally hurt ourselves and develop symptoms of aching legs. One may also be exerting his leg muscles a bit too much, thus, creating pressure on the legs thereby, becoming susceptible to leg aches.

Aches are a mundane complaint made by one and all. However, when a specific reason is diagnosed one is able to sift through the cause with clarity and undergo treatment without any doubts cropping up in mind. There are several causes that have the potential to cause leg aches.

As mentioned before in the article, any type of injury can cause severe leg pain. Fractures in the bone, pressure exerted on muscles or inflammation of the tendons can cause your legs to feel stretched resulting in leg aches. Children, too, are prone to sustain injuries during sports events or accidents. In these cases, the pain can be felt, either promptly, or after some time.

Achilles tendinitis is a condition in which the tissues that connect the anterior section of the calf muscles to the heel bone endure inflammation. It is mostly endured when there is a strain exerted on the calf muscles. One of the causes of leg pain -- Achilles tendinitis may be treated at home itself; however, pain that is severe may require surgical intervention.

Athletes are excessively prone to feeling fatigued after a tough day on the field or in the court. Leg aches can be caused due to athletes running and indulging in various sports. For runners the leg section that falls in the front becomes susceptible to fatigue. This causes pain in the legs and may also cause the ligament to tear due to constant exertion.

The nerves can get damaged due to a health condition that may seem unknown. Diabetes and vitamin deficiency are health ailments that can cause nerve damage and hence, the pain. Sciatic nerve pain can be caused by a herniated disc in the spine; a serious condition that will require consistent rehabilitation and possibly surgery.

Sciatica pain is a throbbing sensation that is felt from the back, extending to the glut muscles, running down through the posterior section of your legs. This is an extremely irritating condition as the pain ceases to leave. The pain in the legs with self-care treatments generally sifts away; however, sometimes, sciatica can indicate the onset of another ailment called herniated disc.

As mentioned, the herniated disc may be condition triggered by its predecessor condition called sciatica. The herniated disc is a condition, where the spinal disc that provides a foundation for the spinal cord to stay intact, ruptures.

The rupture occurs, when the slipped disc -- having a tough exterior and a soft and thick fluid-like consistency -- seeps out. The leakage takes place when the disc or the tough exterior sustains a crack.

Smoking and drinking are injurious to health, however, they may cause more damage to your legs. It is important that you understand the intensity of the situation and make amendments to secure your future.

Leg cramps at night are sudden and extremely painful. The discomfort that is caused due to involuntary contractions of muscles is escalated when the pain extends to the thigh muscles and feet as well.

The premier section that endures the cramps are the back of calf muscles, which then spreads to the two extremes; the thigh and the feet. Expectant mothers and the aged have greater chances of facing leg cramps than the other sections.

A baker's cyst is a condition that has a protrusion at the back of the knee accompanied by a scroungy feeling at the same site. The leg pain that one experiences is that of severity especially when the individual is highly active or stretched his legs after a hard day at work. The cyst is filled with a fluid like substance that causes the cyst to form and increase in size.

Arthritis occurs when the tissues within the joints begin to disappear all together causing an unavoidable friction between the bones of the joints. It is during arthritis that leg aches are experienced. Bone spurs can also occur as a result and the aches are likely. As one ages, one is all the more prone to arthritis.

Varicose veins during pregnancy can cause severe leg pain. This can be caused when there is an increase in the blood pressure in veins of legs. Weight gains during pregnancy can also cause you to have varicose veins, accompanied by another factor of family history following suit, thus causing leg aches.

The right hand side of the body consists of the vein or the inferior cava which can endure the pressure that has been enforced on the developing uterus.

Osteomyelitis is the infection in the bone. The infection travels from the tissues that surround the bone or may get transferred through the bloodstream. Osteomyelitis is an extremely painful condition which can be treated through surgery where in the expired parts of the bone are removed, followed by a heavy dose of medication for a couple of weeks.

Endometriosis is a condition where the uterine tissues grow somewhere else in the body. The condition causes lesions in the pelvic region. The lesions can also be found in the intestines in the bowel, colon, appendix, bladder and rectum. The condition causes pain in the pelvic region, lower back and legs and thus, interfere in the menstrual cycle of women.

Shin splints is a type of sports injury that occurs when one over tires the leg muscles, exerting pressure on and around the shin bone area. For shin splints it is always better that one wears compression socks for a firmer hold.

Dysmenorrhea is a condition that causes difficult and painful menstruation. This condition causes women to experience heavy menstrual flow, extreme cramps in the legs and lower back, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches.

When the blood flow is restricted to too little, thus not being optimum, predominantly during workout sessions, it is known as claudication. If the condition is neglected, the ailment can elevate and become all the more serious in nature with the pain being constant even during periods of rest. In the actual claudication is not a condition in itself, it is rather a symptom of an underlying peripheral artery disease.

There are certain treatment methods that can be employed to relieve leg pain. Some home remedies also work wonders.

• When legs pain during pregnancy, just relax, do not panic, and place your feet elevated from the bed on a mount of pillows. Do not cross your legs when you elevate them and prop them on cushions. Just let them be.

• Do not stand for stretched periods. It may be a habit; however, you need to curb the same and remind yourself of the pain you face every time whenever you stand for long. Seat yourself for short periods.

• If you have a right-side leg ache, you could place a pillow under the leg and sleep.

• If you are an athlete or your daily activities require you to be on the move, you could resort to soaking your legs in warm water. This will help you rest your legs and make you feel better. A message once every fortnight can help you feel rejuvenated and relaxed.

• Prescribed medication could also be helpful, if the pain that you face is extremely severe. However, if popping a pill is not an utter necessity, rely on home remedies to make yourself feel better.

• Try to do some leg exercises every day. Twirl your ankle gently or stretch your legs for a while, this would give you a brief warm-up session, especially if you have a sedentary lifestyle. Being stationary and working on the computer for long hours can also give you leg pain.

• If a traumatic injury is the reason for leg pain, you might as well consult the doctor, and have him prescribe certain anti-inflammatory medication.

Disclaimer: You could use the treatment methods given in this story to relax and feel better. When pain is involved in a severe manner, it is always advisable to leave the last and final word to the medical expert.