5 Ways to Stop Leg Pain

There are many reasons why you may experience leg pain, here we will share 5 ways to stop leg pain. While some symptoms can be an expected occurrence with temporary discomfort, other symptoms may lead to serious issues that can cause not only long-term discomfort but possibly death or amputation if left untreated. If your body hurts, is sore, or doesn’t feel normal please pay attention to those signals and seek the advice of a medical professional if symptoms persist.

Leg pain can be as simple and benign as you may have overworked your muscles in your legs causing soreness or tendinitis while cramps in your legs can often mean you are dehydrated. In these cases, drinking plenty of fluids, stretching your muscles, and rest will often relieve the discomfort.

Sometimes leg pain relief isn’t as simple as drinking more water and stretching. If leg pain arises for seemingly no reason and persists for more than a few days, you may have a serious problem with your circulatory system or your nerves that should be brought to the attention of a medical professional.

Some people may experience leg pain due to nerve issues related to sciatica or stemming from diabetic complications. In these cases, a medical professional can diagnose this problem and provide options for pain relief.

People with a history of diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol are especially at risk for circulation problems causing leg pain. Restricted blood flow from blocked arteries or varicose veins can cause serious leg pain and increase your risk for a heart attack while blood clots in your legs can lead to swelling and even lung issues.

If you are experiencing leg pain that lasts longer than a few days you should seek the advice of a medical professional either your primary care doctor or a specialist like Dr. Jonathan Ellichman.

Click here to set up your appointment or call Dr. Ellichman’s office today (901) 479-1063.

Artery and Vein Treatments Ease Restricted Blood Flow Caused by Blood Clots, Plaque Build Up, and Varicose Veins

Arteries carry blood away from your heart to the rest of your body, but over time they can be blocked by plaque or other build-up and restrict blood flow to your legs. That lack of blood flow can lead to cramping, tingling, numbness, and even pain.

Veins carry blood from all over your body back to your heart, but when a vein becomes damaged it can cause swelling from blood clots in your legs. That swelling leads to discolored varicose veins which can be painful.

Ellichman Vascular offers state of the art artery and vein treatments that will have you back on your feet and better than ever in just 24 hours. At our facility, we can diagnose artery blockages with non-invasive methods such as Ankle Brachial Index and Ultrasound technology. Our ultrasound technology also provides a non-invasive and painless way for our staff to check your veins for damage.

If these tests reveal you can be helped with treatment, our minimally invasive intervention can take as little as 30 minutes and have you back to doing the things you love in 24 hours.

Click here to set up your appointment or call Dr. Ellichman’s office today (901) 259-2718.

Experiencing leg soreness, tendinitis, or even nerve pain? Try R.I.C.E.

R.I.C.E. stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation – and doctors, trainers, and athletes have used it as a way to treat pain in leg muscles for decades. The ice even encourages blood flow to painful areas which can relieve nerve pain.

• Rest - If you’re experiencing leg pain, try to rest your legs as much as you can. Take breaks from activities that cause your pain and soreness.
• Ice - Apply an ice pack to your legs to reduce pain and swelling to the area. You can leave the cold pack on for 10 to 20 minutes up to three times a day.
• Compression - Try wrapping the injured or sore area with an elastic bandage to reduce swelling. Be careful to not wrap too tightly or you might experience numbness. You can wrap an injury for 48 to 72 hours.
• Elevation – Get the affected area elevated on pillows or another soft surface while you are sitting or lying down. Try to keep your legs at or above the level of your heart to reduce swelling.

Staying Hydrated Can Help Prevent Muscle Cramps

Hydration is key when trying to prevent leg cramps, but it also helps make sure your body is working properly. Here are a few ways to make sure you’re staying hydrated.

• Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day
• If exercising intensely, drink your favorite sports drink to replenish your body’s electrolytes
• Eat helpful foods with high-water contents like watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges

Taking a Warm Bath and Stretching Can Relieve Nerve Pain as Well as Sore Muscles

Stretching sore muscles is a great way to get them to relax. We recommend warming up your legs with a nice bath to get them ready for a gentle stretch.

For pain in the lower part of your leg, focus on pointing your toes while sitting or standing. If you’re dealing with pain in the upper part of your leg, try to bend over and touch your toes. You can also spread your legs shoulder-width apart and alternate reaching towards each foot for some additional relief.

These stretches can be done while sitting on the ground or standing up. Make sure to ease into your stretches and hold them for 5 to 10 seconds. Stop stretching if you feel your pain getting worse.

Over the Counter Pain Relievers Can Provide Short Term Relief for Many Types of Leg Pain

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can offer relief from sore muscles and swelling from leg pain. Some over the counter pain relievers include:

• Ibuprofen (Advil, or Motrin)
• Naproxen (Aleve)

Make sure to follow instructions on the medicine labels. 

If you are experiencing leg pain that lasts longer than a few days, you should seek the advice of a medical professional either your primary care doctor or a specialist like Dr. Jonathan Ellichman.

Click here to set up your appointment or call Dr. Ellichman’s office today (901) 479-1063.