Leg Muscle Pain - Causes and Treatments
Those who play sports or are active often experience leg muscle pain, which can occur at any time of the day. Several causes of this pain include overuse, hamstring strains, and stress fractures. Symptoms and treatments vary depending on the specific type of pain. If you're suffering from pain in your leg muscle, getting help is essential.
Symptoms
Overstretching the muscles can cause intense pain and tenderness. You can help relieve this discomfort by resting the injured leg and elevating it. You can also apply an over-the-counter pain reliever to the affected area. The area may also benefit from ice application four times a day, for 15 minutes each time.
The arteries in the legs provide oxygenated blood throughout the body. The aorta leaves the heart and descends into the abdomen, dividing into the iliac and femoral arteries at the groin level. The femoral artery runs along the back of the femur (thighbone) and branches off into smaller arteries at the popliteal fossa. These arteries supply blood to the lower leg and thigh.
Causes
Leg muscle pain can have a variety of causes, including injury, infection, or inflammation. It can be acute or chronic and may include numbness or tingling. It may also be accompanied by fever or back pain. In either case, a doctor can recommend physical therapy to treat the condition.
If the pain persists for more than two days or bruising develops, consult your health care provider. Tendonitis occurs when repeated stress to the thigh muscles causes inflammation. It can also be caused by injury to the iliotibial band, a thick piece of connective tissue packed with nerves. Overuse or stress can also cause this band to become inflamed, resulting in iliotibial band friction syndrome.
Treatments
There are some treatments for leg muscle pain. If it is acute, you should see a doctor. It may be a sign of a more severe condition, such as an injury to a bone, or an infection of the spine, cauda equina, or growth plates. It's also essential to consult a doctor if your symptoms interfere with your daily life, such as leg pain that doesn't go away despite rest.
Treatments for leg pain vary, from the simple to the more complicated. Often, you can apply ice or use anti-inflammatory medication to relieve pain. If the pain is extreme, you can seek medical attention for a surgical procedure. Over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen, can be used for pain control, although you should talk to your healthcare provider before taking any medications.
Prevention
One of the best ways to prevent leg muscle pain is to stretch muscles as much as possible before physical activity. Consuming potassium-rich foods can also help prevent leg muscle and tendon injuries. Additionally, it is essential to exercise for 30 minutes every day and to monitor blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Alcohol consumption should also be limited. If you are experiencing leg muscle pain, you should consult your doctor to find out if it is related to a specific condition.
In general, leg muscle pain is caused by a sudden, uncontrollable contraction of a muscle. It most commonly occurs in the lower extremities and may occur for short or long periods. Specific activity can also cause it. Identifying the exact cause of leg muscle pain can help prevent future cramps. Symptoms of leg muscle pain include pain at the site of the cramp, changes in skin color, and muscle weakness. The most common muscle group that can cause leg cramps is across two joints: the calf, hamstring, and quadriceps.
