Most leg pain is caused by injury or straining the muscles and ligaments in the leg. Other conditions are thrombophlebitis. This is inflammation of blood clots in the veins, which usually cause the leg to ache. This aching generally occurs after a period of no activity, like bed rest, plane rides, or sitting for a long time. Swelling can be hard to detect.
Long-term swelling of the leg veins near the skin’s surface causes varicose veins. This happens when leg muscles and the valves responsible for pumping blood back to the heart fail and allow blood to pool or collect in veins. The veins then become distorted and swollen. Feet and ankles may swell and the calves and other affected areas may ache or feel heavy.
Varicose veins tend to run in families. They are common and usually mild enough fro people to treat on their own. To lessen swelling and discomfort and prevent the condition from worsening:
1.) Walk regularly.
2.) Wear elastic support hose that reach all the way to the knee. Put them on after elevating legs for 10 to 15 minutes or as soon as you get out of bed.
3.) Wear shoes that support your feet well.
4.) Lose weight if you are overweight.
5.) Avoid standing or sitting for prolonged periods. If this cannot be controlled, develop a habit of contraction and relaxing calf and leg muscles, knees and ankles several times a day.
6.) Avoid crossing your legs, wearing tight clothing or doing anything that inhibits the flow of blood from the legs to the heart.
7.) Never scratch an itchy varicose vein, and ulcer could develop.
8.) If symptoms are bothersome, elevate legs above chest level twice a day or more for 30 minutes each time. Put pillows under your calves so your ankles are higher than your heart.
9.) See your doctor if the self-care does not work or if ulcers develop.
When muscles and tendons that originate from tibia, (shin bone) become inflames from repeated stress, pain results. You can:
1.) Rest your legs for at least one week after overexertion
2.) Apply ice pack for 10 to 15 minutes every hour for two hours, and then leave ice off for two hours.
3.) Take aspirin or ibuprofen.
4.) When the pain is gone, do exercise to gently stretch the calf muscles.
5.) Wear high-quality athletic shoes.
Do not run for two to four weeks, and then gradually increase speed and distance.
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