Sore leg muscles following exercise or physical activity are common. Unlike muscle cramps that occur when your legs are at rest, muscle aches develop as a result of overexertion, explains The Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide. Tight muscles are often the cause of leg muscle pain, which is why stretching before and after your workout is important to prevent tenderness and potential injury. If soreness occurs despite your best efforts to stretch, some TLC can help.
Step 1
Massage your sore leg muscles. Run your hands over your legs using gentle pressure to help relieve the soreness. Apply a quarter-sized amount of muscle cream to your fingertips and rub it into your skin while massaging your legs to add additional relief.
Step 2
Fill a plastic bag with crushed ice. Seal the plastic bag and wrap it in a towel. Apply the wrapped bag to your legs in the areas that are sore. Allow the ice to remain on your sore leg muscles for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
Step 3
Relieve sore leg muscles with an anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or aspirin. Check the manufacturer's instructions for dosage amounts and time frames. Do not exceed the recommended dose.
Step 4
Soak your sore leg muscles in a warm bath. Add 2 cups of Epsom salts to the running bath water for additional relief. A mix of magnesium and sulfates, Epsom salts in addition to warm water can help calm your muscles, reducing pain levels.
Tips and Warnings
- If your legs appear swollen, elevate them while applying the ice.
- Contact your physician if the soreness in your legs does not resolve within several days. An injury may be causing the pain, which may require medical intervention.
Things You'll Need
- Muscle cream
- Crushed ice
- Towels
- Plastic bags
Member Comments