Home Remedies For Leg Pain: Procedure, Recovery, Risk & Complication
Last Updated: Mar 12, 2021
What are the home remedies for leg pain?
Leg pain is a very common problem that can happen to people of almost all ages. The intensity of the pain can range from a dull ache to a severe one, that of having a stabbing sensation. There are different reasons for leg pain but mostly the pain occurs due to cramps, fatigue, and spasm in the muscle, or any type of nutritional deficiencies and dehydration. Here are a few home remedies that you can rely on.
- You can apply cold compresses:
When leg pain occurs after strenuous physical activity. This will help reduce the pain as it makes the affected area numb and controls inflammation and swelling.
- Turmeric:
Turmeric has got antioxidants. The compound curcumin in turmeric contains several different molecules that play an important role in inflammation and pain. These properties cure leg pain. Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with sesame oil to make a paste. Apply this on the affected area and massage gently.
Wait for half an hour before rinsing it off with warm water. Do this twice daily or as needed. Drinking turmeric milk once or twice daily is equally helpful. You can also take turmeric as a dietary supplement, but only under your doctor’s guidance.
- Drinking a cup of water:
Every 20 minutes before, during and after exercise will help you keep your system from dehydration. Dehydration helps to prevent cramping.
- Take foods are rich in protein and calcium:
Exposure to sunlight for vitamin D is also good. Ragi Milk and milk products, drumstick leaves, and drumsticks are excellent sources of calcium, and sprouted pulses and nuts are very good sources of protein for a vegetarian. Include these foods in the daily diet to make your bones stronger. These could help prevent cramping.
- Epsom salt bath:
Epsom salt soak is also highly effective. This salt contains magnesium sulfate and works great in getting relief from pain. Add 1/2 cup Epsom salt in the bowl of warm water and soak your joints in it.
- Proper rest:
Taking rest can increase the healing effect in the body. It boosts the immune system to fight against the cause of suffering.
- Walk adequately:
Light exercises can help to reduce back pain. Light exercise includes walking, a few yoga asanas that do not impact the back.
- Ginger:
Drinking ginger Tea helps to reduce inflammation and this results in relief from body pain. To make a Ginger tea you can add a teaspoon of grated Ginger to your normal tea. You may drink it once daily.
- Mustard Oil:
Allyl isothiocyanate is a compound that is found in mustard oil. This compound helps to reduce inflammation resulting in the easing of pain. Heat the mustard oil until it turns warm, and then massage the complete body with the help of mustard oil.
- Accupressure:
Acupressure is a form of ancient massage therapy that helps to reduce the pain. According to this, every person has some specific acupressure points and when those points are pressed it helps to reduce the pain.
- Fenugreek(Methi):
Fenugreek possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties because of which it helps to reduce Leg pain.
Summary: Leg pain can be reduce by taking fenugreek, acupressure, mustard oil massage, ginger, Epsom saltwater. Apply a cold compress, apply turmeric. Take proper rest and walk adequately.
Are there any side effects of remedies for leg pain?
As these are basic home remedies there are no such side effects but then some points should be kept in mind. Turmeric can cause hyperactive gallbladder contractions and also excessive or overdose of turmeric can cause Diarrhoea. In a pregnant woman, it can cause uterine contraction so it is better for expecting mothers to avoid turmeric as a leg pain remedy.
When you are applying a cold compress do keep in mind to never apply ice directly to the skin, as it may cause frostbite instead of giving you relief. In the case of massages, external pressure should not be optimum. Many a time it is seen people tend to tie a rope or put a heavy object to stop the unbearable pain, but this remedy, although it provides a temporary relief can be very harmful.
Warm water packs should also be carefully applied as excessive heat can cause skin burning. Similarly, overconsumption of the nutrients meant for strengthening the bones could also spell trouble, especially if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.
For example, overexposure to the sun could cause severe sunburns and lots of people tend to be allergic to milk products or nuts. So, choosing the home remedy wisely is essential in reaping the benefits.
What are the post-remedy guidelines?
Leg pain although is a common problem it should be dealt with sheer attention as it can lead to severe problems later. Venous leg ulcers are often accompanied by swelling of your feet. So as a post remedy guideline it is important to follow a basic routine of flexibility. Regular exercise, such as a daily walk, will help reduce leg pain or swelling as it increases muscle flexibility.
However, you should avoid sitting or standing still with your feet down. If you are a working person then sitting at a place for a long stretch of time can trigger the pain again.
- Stand up a little every 1 hour.
- Sitting for long hours can also give rise to low back pain that radiates down to the legs so sitting in the right posture is very important.
- Activities, such as twisting and bending will worsen the pain, whereas lying down tends to bring relief. So give yourself enough rest.
Summary: Follow the guidelines. Do regular exercise, Avoid sitting for long hours, walk adequately. Don't twist or bend your legs.
How long does it take to recover?
If you have leg pain post-workout then the soreness peaks two days later, begins to subside by the third day, and eventually disappears completely by the end of the sixth or seventh day. This reflects closely the complete cycle of recovery since the muscle is nearly healed within a week of the initial exercise. If the pain is due to muscle cramps then it recovers by an hour or two after the remedy.
A leg pain is often caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve so it's important for pressure to abate. Given the time, rest, and the right treatment you could feel complete relief in just a matter of days.
Summary: The time of the recovery from leg pain usually varies from 3-7 days depending upon the cause of pain.
Are the results of the home remedies for leg pain are permanent?
Some home remedies promise permanent relief and an improvement at the very beginning of the treatment while some give temporary relief. To a certain level, it depends on the cause of the pain. Dried fig is a fiber-rich ingredient and is known for its antioxidant properties. Figs contain vital nutrients including magnesium and potassium that helps in balancing the body's sodium.
This helps to ease the tissues and provide relief from leg pain. in fact, having one dried apricot and dried fig with two to four dried prunes before going to bed every day for about three months will help to get rid of leg pain and back pain permanently. In case a person has arthritis a permanent solution through home remedies is not possible.
Is there any training or experts required to perform these natural remedies for leg pain?
For applying these home remedies there is no such training or experts required. All you need to do is get the correct ingredients from the local or nearby supermarkets. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and following home remedies to alleviate the pain should suffice.
But, if the pain is an acute or chronic one then it is best to seek medical advice as it might be due to any underlying condition such as restless leg syndrome, in which case medical treatment would be required.
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