8 Prominent Types of Leg Muscle Pain and Some Home Remedies

Home Remedies

Every individual could suffer from leg muscle pain. There are different kinds of leg pain problems such as muscular pain, joint pain, leg cramps, nerve pain, and blood clots. Some of the types of leg muscle pain are as follows:

Muscle cramp: It causes sudden pain in the lower leg; this is also known as a Charley horse. A muscle cramp can occur anytime during the day or when sleeping. Tired or dehydrated muscles cause leg cramps.
Massage the cramped area or stretch it gently to cure the tensed muscles. A high water intake is beneficial for leg cramps.

Shin splints: The shin splints occur in the upper front calves. The muscles in the shin bone get inflamed which hurt when running or jumping. If you have flat feet or outward turned feet, you may probably suffer from shin splints.
Ice works wonders to reduce the pain of shin splints. It numbs the nerves sensing pain. You can even try antibiotics such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen.
Wear comfortable shoes and avoid moving or running on hard surfaces. If you feel some stretching in the legs, it is advisable to take some stretch. See the doctor if the problem prevails.

Tendinitis: Pain in the lower calf or at the back of heel indicates Achilles tendon which causes the tendon to tear apart, stretch or swell. It is also one type of leg muscle pain. Excessive walking or climbing stairs can cause tendinitis.
Put some ice to sooth the pain. You can even take anti-inflammatory medications. If you experience less pain, stretching the legs can prove to be helpful. Severe pains indicate the tearing of Achilles tendon which can be treated by surgeries.

Sprains: Twisting of ankles result in mild sprains. The RICE treatment which is an acronym for rest, ice, compression, and elevation is effective for sprains. If you get a fracture, see the doctor. The doctors recommend physical therapy depending on the severity of the problem. Follow precautions and take good care of the leg muscle pain which can take some time to cure.

Veins and clot: Thickening of blood in the veins forms clumps which are known as clots. The clot developed in the deep body veins are known as deep vein thrombosis, and this commonly occurs in the thighs and lower legs. Sitting inactive for long hours causes this problem. This type of leg muscle pain is common among people who smoke or take regular medications. When the blot clots break apart, it spreads in the blood and moves to the arteries in the lungs. This blocks blood flow and causes pulmonary embolism. Weight loss, support stockings, and medications are the possible treatments for this type of leg muscle pain.

Lower extremity peripheral arterial disease: When the arteries in legs get damaged, it causes lower extremity peripheral arterial disease. The narrowing down of the arteries blocks the blood flow in the legs. This, in turn, causes pain and cramps in the legs. A person may find it difficult to walk and climb stairs.
Resting is the best solution. The peripheral arterial disease occurs in people suffering from diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. A change in lifestyle habits help get rid of the problem. Eat healthy food, quit smoking, and exercising helps to reduce this type of leg muscle pain.

Narrowed spinal canal (stenosis and sciatica): Arthritis is the biggest cause of stenosis. Herniated disc exerts pressure on the nerves causing sciatica. The symptoms of sciatica include weakness, tingling, numbness, and pain in legs during sitting and standing. Rest is the best cure for this type of leg muscle pain if you suffer from mild discomfort. Along with rest, you must take medications or anti-inflammatories. Try some stretching exercises or physical therapies to cure the problem.

Diabetic neuropathy: High blood sugar levels break down the nerves and cause pain. The person also feels numbness in the legs. Take proper medications as prescribed by the doctor to control blood sugar levels.

Some natural remedies for leg muscle pain include the following:
Cold compress: Application of ice numbs the affected area and reduces pain and inflammation. Wrap some ice cubes in a towel and apply it on the affected area for 15 minutes. Try this 2–3 times a day.

Get a massage: Massages promote blood circulation in the legs and ensure quick recovery of leg muscle pain. Take olive, mustard or coconut oil and rub it on the affected area. Massage the oil on the legs for few minutes with gentle strokes. Massages relieve stress and anxiety.

Turmeric: Take a tablespoon of turmeric powder and mix in warm oil to make a thick paste. Apply the paste on the infected toenail. Dry it for 30 minutes and wash it with lukewarm water. A glass of turmeric milk also proves beneficial to treat leg muscle pain.

Apple cider vinegar: It works well to lessen the pain in the lower part of the legs. The alkalizing nature of apple cider vinegar dissolves uric acid crystals in blood. Add two cups of apple cider vinegar to a bucket of water. Dip the affected leg in the water for half an hour daily. The pain will go away within a couple of days.