Use the R.I.C.E. It's short for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Rest. If movement is painful at first, rest your legs and stay off them as much as you can until you're able to move without pain.
Treatment may start with conservative therapies, such as over-the-counter aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen. These nonprescription medications can be effective for certain types of leg pain when taken according to instructions. You may also consider home care such as drinking plenty of water to reduce leg cramps.
Most leg pain results from wear and tear, overuse, or injuries in joints or bones or in muscles, ligaments, tendons or other soft tissues. Some types of leg pain can be traced to problems in your lower spine. Leg pain can also be caused by blood clots, varicose veins or poor circulation.
See your doctor as soon as possible if you have:
A leg that is swollen, pale or unusually cool. Calf pain, particularly after prolonged sitting, such as on a long car trip or plane ride. Swelling in both legs along with breathing problems. Any serious leg symptoms that develop for no apparent reason.
What to eat to prevent leg muscle cramps: micronutrients. For muscles to contract properly, they need assistance from essential vitamins and minerals like Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium Chloride, and vitamins like Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Vitamin D and Vitamin K.
Painkillers. If you have leg pain that persists after an episode of cramping, an over-the-counter painkiller, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may help reduce the pain.
Paracetamol: A 2000 study proved that, despite its efficacy in battling pain, paracetamol offers zero benefit in managing DOMS. Low. Ibuprofen: Though it won't restore muscle function, anti-inflammatory ibuprofen is your friend when suffering post-leg day pain.
Paracetamol has been in general use for more than 50 years, but the way it works to reduce pain and fever is not fully understood. Paracetamol begins to ease pain and lower a high temperature about 30 minutes after a dose is taken. Its effects usually last for about 4 to 6 hours.
People who have low levels of vitamin D often have joint pain. Vitamin D supplements may treat joint pain in some people who have a vitamin D deficiency. However, research doesn't support that people with healthy levels of vitamin D take should take these supplements for joint pain.
Vitamin B12deficiency symptoms may include: strange sensations, numbness, or tingling in the hands, legs, or feet. difficulty walking (staggering, balance problems)
Vitamin D can be used to help patients suffering from muscle pain or weakness. Providing Vitamin D supplementation can also prove to be beneficial for the elderly since they are more prone to suffering from falls.
Apples are another fiber-rich, anti-inflammatory fruit, and they deliver added benefits for gut health. Pineapple is also on our short list for its bromelain content, a nutrient that has shown to reduce joint pain caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Humans with vitamin D deficiency exhibit muscle pain in muscles at multiple locations. However, the strongest association between vitamin D deficiency and pain is reported to occur in leg muscles (Heidari et al., 2010).
Leg Pain Can Indicate Risk for a Heart Attack or Stroke
Peripheral artery disease that causes leg pain can be indicative of heart issues. People that have PAD are at a higher risk of having a stroke or heart attack. This could be a sign that the coronary arteries are blocked and the blood flow is reduced.
Sometimes, leg pain can signal something more serious like a fracture, deep vein thrombosis or compartment syndrome. Seek medical attention urgently if: the leg is swollen. it looks deformed or you can't use it properly.
Since magnesium plays a role in neuromuscular transmission and muscle contraction, it has been hypothesised that magnesium deficiency may predispose to muscle cramps. Thus magnesium supplements are often recommended to prevent cramps.
Our only hard recommendation: Avoid supplementing with vitamin D at night. There's evidence that vitamin D can suppress melatonin—which is bad news for your sleep quality.
To instantly rid your leg of pain, you can revert to over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers such as ibuprofen and diclofenac sodium. Muscle relaxants such as Tramadol may also decrease muscle tension.
Taking 1 or 2 extra tablets is unlikely to harm you. Do not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours. Taking too much paracetamol can be dangerous and you may need treatment. Too much paracetamol can cause liver damage.
Having said that, there is very little difference between the majority of Nurofen products and a standard ibuprofen product - especially because the doses of the active ingredients are the same in both products. However, Nurofen's fast acting tablets do just that, and act faster than your standard ibuprofen product.