Leg pain can not only be uncomfortable, but can sometimes also be quite debilitating. Whether you are suffering a temporary cramp or recurring leg pain from a disorder such as sciatica, certain leg exercises can help you relieve the pain so that you can resume your daily activities. However, see a doctor if your pain is not relieved with self-care measures, as some leg pain can indicate more serious conditions.
Causes
Leg pain can have a number of causes, including dehydration, muscle strain or fatigue, medications such as diuretics, deep vain thrombosis, sciatica, nerve damage, varicose veins, atherosclerosis, bone disease or shin splints. Consult your physician if you are experiencing leg pain on a regular basis.
Sciatica Exercise
Sciatica causes weakness that starts in the lower back and travels down the legs, causing pain and possibly a tingling sensation. It can occur in one or both legs, and may worsen when sitting. Although it may sound counterintuitive, stretching can help to reduce sciatica pain. Whatever your symptoms, most types of sciatica pain can relieved by doing hamstring stretches. The hamstrings are located at the back of the thigh, and when they become too tight, they increase stress on the lower back and can cause leg pain. To stretch the hamstrings, sit on the floor with both legs stretched out in front of you. Bend forward from the waist, reaching with your arms towards your toes. Reach forward as far as you can without bending your knees. Hold the position for five to 10 seconds.
Leg Cramps
Leg cramps are involuntary contractions of the muscles. They may be caused by dehydration, poor circulation, very tight muscles, or low potassium or sodium. They often affect athletes during intense training periods, and commonly affect the hamstrings or the quadriceps, the muscles at the front of the leg. If you feel a leg cramp, stretch out the affected muscle and hold the stretch for as long as you can until the cramp subsides.
Prevention
Prevent leg pain by stretching and exercising your legs on a regular basis. Sit on the ground and point your toes, then pull them back until they are pointing up. Do the same exercise standing up by resting your foot on an object that is slightly lower that waist-height. Consult your doctor before trying stretching exercises, especially if it has been some time since you exercised.
