After you exercise your legs, it's normal for them to be slightly sore, especially if you worked out really hard or tried something new. However, severe or persistent pain isn't normal and may be a cause for concern. If you develop severe pain in your legs after exercising, see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
Muscle Strain
Muscle strain is one of the more common causes of leg pain after exercise. Though generally not severe, muscle strains tend to be caused by not warming up, or by not stretching or cooling down properly before and after a workout. The calves are a primary target of strain, especially for runners. If the pain is more than a dull ache, however, you may have torn a muscle, which requires immediate medical treatment.
Congested Veins
Venous congestion is another cause of leg pain after exercising. If you haven't worked out in a long time, the veins in your legs have likely collapsed slightly. The sudden rush of blood pumping through your veins at a fast rate causes them to open quickly, which can cause feelings of burning or pain in the legs. This is usually a temporary condition that resolves on its own.
Peripheral Artery Disease
Sometimes, the arteries and veins in your legs get clogged. This is called peripheral artery disease and it can make your legs hurt and feel week. Essentially, the flow of blood in your legs slows dramatically if you have this condition. Working out forces more blood to pump through your leg arteries and can cause the pain to be amplified. If not treated, this disease can cause blood clots, stroke and heart attack.
Treatment
The treatment required for your leg pain following exercise will depend on its cause. If muscle strain is the cause, icing the area, taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, and rest are the main courses of treatment. If the pain doesn't go away quickly, see your doctor for a thorough examination and diagnosis. If peripheral artery disease is suspected, see a doctor immediately. This disease can be deadly.
