People with chronic pain in the leg can choose drug therapies and non-medicinal treatment options based on the cause of their leg strain. Symptoms of leg pain can arise from problems in the local muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints or bones, or from distinct spinal or cardiovascular conditions. Some pain relief options can be administered at home, while others may require professional intervention. Managing and eliminating chronic pain in the legs depends upon identifying the correct source of discomfort and selecting safe remedies.
Drug Therapy
For chronic pain due to old or recurrent muscle injuries, over-the-counter pain relievers can be taken short-term. Achiness or pain from muscle strain responds well to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, reports the Cleveland Clinic. These medications are not safe to take indefinitely, however. If pain persists or if another cause such as peripheral arterial disease is responsible for leg strain, doctors may offer prescription drugs for stronger pain relief or for circulatory improvement.
Temperature Therapy
When drugs are insufficient or inappropriate to control pain, the National Institutes of Health suggests cold pack therapy. A well-known pain relief remedy for muscle strains, cold compresses can also reduce leg pain caused by back problems. Patients with cardiovascular disease should check with their doctors before applying ice to legs.
Foot Therapy
Uneven leg length or spinal abnormalities can cause leg strain on one side or the other. According to the American Chiropractic Association, the use of orthotic devices in shoes can level the hips to take the stress off of leg muscles and other tissue. The body adapts to custom orthotic treatment over time, which eliminates chronic pain in some cases. Milder leg or knee pain conditions that develop in response to poor foot support, rather than bone deformity, may be corrected simply by switching to higher-quality footwear.
Physical Therapy
Leg strains that happen again and again may be due to weak muscles, incorrect posture or spinal irregularities. The American Physical Therapy Association notes that professional physical therapists are trained to evaluate patients for musculoskeletal fitness. They can prescribe exercise programs to enhance muscle function and prevent relapses of pain.
Surgery and Alternative Therapies
Back and leg pain patients may need surgery to correct disc or vertebrae problems that are causing stress in the legs. The Cleveland Clinic reports that this least-desirable treatment choice should be made only after other options for pain relief fail. Ongoing chiropractic, massage or acupuncture therapies may satisfy individuals who prefer noninvasive treatments.
