How Can I Relieve Leg Pain Naturally?

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By Ben Loomis – DSC_9441.jpg, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=73875056

Most leg pain is caused by wear and tear, overuse, or damage to the joints, bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, or other soft tissues. Many forms of leg pain can be traced to complications in the lower spine, and some other types of leg pain are caused by blood clots, varicose veins, or poor circulation.

You need a doctor to help you identify the cause of the pain when determining the course of action for relief. Once you have identified the root problem, you can then pursue natural remedies that will reduce or even completely eliminate the pain.

There are many natural ways to alleviate discomfort and improve day-to-day life. Try one or two of these methods and see what works for you.

Get Moving

Exercise is also associated with a reduction in arthritis joint pain. 1-5 Exercise can reduce pain because it strengthens the muscles that support the joints, causes the body to release endorphins that alleviate pain, both or something else. What kind of exercise you do depends on your current fitness level and other factors, such as where you live and whether you have access to a gym. Walking, swimming pool and tai chi are considered soft on the joints and suitable for beginners.

Eat more fiber

Research shows that people who consume high-fiber diets have less discomfort with osteoarthritis.6,7 In addition, people who eat high-fiber foods contain a lot of short-chain fatty acids that can help maintain a good microbial balance in the digestive tract. Microbial imbalance—a disorder called intestinal dysbiosis—is associated with a higher risk of body-wide inflammation and inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

Stretch

Your body is built to shift. Ironically, if you’re not doing a lot when you’re in pain, your inactivity will make the pain worse. Gentle stretches will help you maintain mobility and range of motion—and keep discomfort at bay. Your doctor or physical therapist will help you find stretches and activities that are tailored to your particular situation.

Turmeric

The turmeric root has been shown to have great anti-inflammatory effects, and many people are adding turmeric powder to sauces, smoothies, or tea. But curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, makes up only around 3% of it so experts also recommend that people take curcumin supplements in order to get an effective dose.

For many people, a daily curcumin supplement of 200 mg to 1,000 mg is all right. However, consult with your primary health care provider before taking any supplement to make sure that it does not interfere with your existing medicine or put you at risk for other health conditions. Keep an eye out for supplements that contain preservatives or other ingredients, such as gluten, milk and soy.

Practice good sleep habits

Having enough sleep is critical for pain control and healing promotion. Practice behaviors that will help you get a restful, adequate sleep. For example, make your bedroom quiet and dark, ban the electronics from the bedroom, and set a daily schedule for going to bed and getting up.

Use Cold Compress

Cold compresses lower inflammation by reducing blood flow following workouts or injuries. To ease the discomfort, wrap a couple of ice cubes in a towel and put them in the affected areas. Do it for at least 10 to 15 minutes, and repeat it a few times during the day. This comes under one of the strongest home remedies for leg pain after delivery.

Drink More Water

Dehydration is a common cause of leg pain and muscle cramping. You will keep this from occurring by drinking more water every day. Drinking spring or mineral water is much better because it contains several beneficial electrolytes. Miss caffeine and alcohol since they lead to electrolyte imbalances and hence to dehydration.

Drink Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has analgesic properties that help soothe inflammation and discomfort in the legs. Drink a tablespoon or two of it on an empty stomach early in the morning, or prefer to bathe in it by mixing the solution in the bath water. Make sure you’re going for raw organic apple cider vinegar, though and if you want to drink but can’t bear the taste, use some honey – it makes it a lot easier to go down. It’s one of the top home remedies for nerve pain in the leg.

Try Yoga

Yoga makes use of therapeutic exercises that eliminate blockages in the body and make energy channels more accessible or sensitive. Besides, it’s perfect for healing your legs as the exercises are restorative in nature, detoxifying the body, and speeding up healing. The only catch is that you need to do the right poses or exercises to not injure yourself. That’s why we still suggest practicing with a yoga teacher or a trained practitioner. You should also try Qi Gong in addition to yoga, as it is also one of the home remedies for leg pain during pregnancy.

Take Epsom Salt Baths

Epsom salt baths are fantastic to relieve some of the inflammation and leg pain you experience. These salts are rich in magnesium, which is the key nutrient needed to remedy the pain. Here’s what you need to do – get half a cup of Epsom salt and add it to the warm water in your bathtub or bucket. Soak the swollen areas for 15 minutes and you’ll feel better.

Are You Looking for Relief From Neck Pain? 

Pace Physical Therapy in San Jose, California specializes in non-surgical neck pain relief and recovery therapies.  We pride ourselves on offering the best possible physical therapy available and going above and beyond for our patients. Our highly experienced physical therapist will work with you to improve your function and relieve your pain. We start by assessing the body as a whole. Oftentimes the cause of pain or an injury extends far beyond just the body part or muscle hurting. Without taking a comprehensive look at your entire self, we would be doing you a disservice in fully helping you heal and preventing future limitations. We then move on to fixing your areas of limitation.  Not all diagnoses are created equal. One person with neck pain may have completely different limitations than the next person. Your recovery program needs to be specific to what YOUR body needs and not just the typical exercise program that you can find online. Just because your pain decreases or you can walk longer doesn’t mean that it is enough to get you functioning at the level you want to be. While this often signifies the end of care at your typical PT clinic we don’t stop providing guidance until we help you successfully meet every goal you set for yourself with us on day one. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!