Leg pain or discomfort can happen to anyone and occur at any time. The pain can affect most of the leg or only certain areas that vary in intensity such as sharp, dull, achy or tingling pain. It can come and go or it can be constant. Since there are so many variables when it comes to experiencing continuous leg pain, it is crucial to seek professional treatment for a proper diagnosis.
When someone is experiencing leg pain, it is likely they will also experience additional pain issues with their knees and/or feet. Leg pain can include aches, numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness in the leg, which can often result from a patient having lower back problems.
request an appointmentTop Reasons For Leg Pain
There tend to be many reasons why someone may be experiencing leg pain. Suffering from some form of minor back injury and overusing the body are two of the more common reasons for the cause of leg pain. Other reasons include a patient having issues with their spine, as well as having blood clots, varicose veins, and/or overall poor circulation.
When there is any form of pressure on the back’s nerves, it can lead to a patient experiencing pain, numbness, and weakness. The sciatic nerve is the most common area to experience pain from this condition.
Leg Pain Treatment
Treatment options for those suffering from leg pain often focus on correcting any circulatory issues that may be happening. While physical therapy, medication, injections, and surgery options are also available, the diagnosis will depend on the patient’s condition and symptoms.
Top leg pain treatments can also include applying some basic home care remedies to help relieve any pain and/or discomfort:
- Avoid standing or walking for long periods of time.
- Elevate the leg when sitting or lying down.
- Apply an ice pack to the area where the pain or discomfort is for up to three times a day.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, which is often recommended when it comes to relieving leg pain.
Knee Pain and Treatment
Knee pain can interfere with a person being able to live a happy and productive life. While symptoms will vary, most people experience either a constant ache, as well as a dull, burning or sharp shooting pain. People suffering from knee pain are likely to also experience sensitivity and swelling, which can make it difficult to stand and walk.
A common reason for knee pain is some type of injury. The injury can result from overuse, a sprain or bad posture when taking part in any kind of physical activity. Being overweight makes someone more susceptible to knee pain due to the additional pressure put on the knees when performing daily activities. Other reasons for knee pain include muscle weakness in the hips/thighs, having a gait that makes the knee turn inward, aging or osteoarthritis.
Treatment options for those suffering from knee pain are available and will vary depending on each patient’s particular situation. Physical therapy is a top treatment for knee pain sufferers, with medication, injections and surgery options also available. Favoring the knee by resting it and strengthening it by exercising can often lead to improvement.
Applying ice packs, a compression bandage and elevating the knee can also help when it comes to self-care measures. While these at-home treatments will help, it is important to seek professional care to ensure recovery.
Causes and Treatment of Foot Pain
Foot pain can occur in any part of the foot – toes, heels, arches, soles – and can range from mild to severe. When someone is suffering from any form of foot pain, it is essential to seek professional health care assistance in order to get a complete and proper diagnosis.
A past foot injury can be one of the main reasons for foot problems in the future. In other cases, people can have a sports injury that causes more health issues after the initial recovery process. Foot pain is also due to medical issues, like arthritis or diabetes, while also resulting from wearing shoes that do not fit properly.
Treatment options for those suffering from foot pain often include choosing a few home health care remedies that can help improve the overall function as well as help ease the pain. Physical therapy for foot pain can often produce positive results when it includes resting and practicing helpful stretching exercises.
Sciatica Pain and Treatment
Sciatica is a pain in the legs that starts in the lower back area and radiates down through the buttocks, into the legs. While pain is the most common symptom, other sciatica symptoms include feelings of burning, searing, tingling, aching, weakness, and numbness. The sciatic nerve is what causes the pain, which can result from a few possible health conditions that place pressure on the nerve.
Some of the main causes of sciatica are spinal disc issues, damaged nerves, and/or torn muscles. Experiencing some form of trauma, like a sports injury, can also cause sciatica. Bone disease and aging are also causes of sciatica.
Treatment options for those suffering from sciatica tend to include physical therapy, surgery, and self-care treatments. Self-care can involve rest, applying ice and heat packs, performing gentle stretching exercises, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. However, it is crucial to begin treatment with a professional in order to determine what will be necessary to treat sciatica properly.
Alternative treatments include gentle chiropractic care, massage therapy, and cognitive behavior therapy. Since sciatica can last a few days, weeks, or months, a professional health assessment is the best way to determine the true extent of the condition.