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Leg pain Pain in the leg
The pain can occur according to the variety of causes in very different form and intensity and, for example, be perceived as sharp, pungent and worse during movement. Likewise, painful legs can also occur especially at night or when lying down, and e.g. As with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), it is accompanied by tingling in the limbs. In many cases, the symptoms have no serious cause and disappear with decreasing (over) load on the affected leg also quite quickly. However, as soon as the pain lasts longer, is particularly pronounced or occurs after an accident as a result of an injury, a doctor should always be consulted to clarify the exact cause and thereby avoid health risks.
contents
Causes of leg pain
symptoms
Aching legs at night / lying down
Leg pain in the thigh
calf pain
Leg pain in children
Treatment for leg pain
Home remedies for leg pain
Naturopathy for aching legs
Causes of leg pain
The leg (medical: "lower extremity") is usually divided into the thigh (lat. Femur), lower leg (Crus) and the foot (with tarsus, metatarsus and toes), in addition there is also the pelvic girdle (Cingulum membri inferioris). Accordingly, the femur, tibia, fibula and the foot bones form the bony framework of the leg, and other components include muscles, tendons, joints, ligaments and nerves, as well as blood vessels, lymphatics and the skin.
Leg pain can be associated with a variety of ailments and should be clarified by a doctor. (Image: Focus Pocus LTD / fotolia.com) Due to the complex structure, pain in the leg can have a variety of causes, but often involve muscle injuries (muscle soreness, cramps, tension, etc.), ligaments or tendons (eg, Achilles tendon rupture), strains, bruises, and fractures of the bones ( eg tibia fracture) as well as the knee, hip or ankle joints. In addition, the cause of the complaints often also in joint complaints such as osteoarthritis or rheumatism, as well as in circulatory disorders, e.g. as a result of arteriosclerosis (arteriosclerosis). Also, varicose veins, blood clots (thrombosis and embolism), itchy rash like psoriasis or atopic dermatitis and gout or a herniated disc can be the trigger. Other possible causes are malpositions ("X" - or "O" legs) or neurological diseases such as the so-called "restless legs" syndrome, which is characterized by emotional disorders and a (especially at rest ) Twitching, pain and tingling in the limbs is marked.
In addition, malignant tumors of the bone tissue (bone cancer) can lead to pain and swelling in the area of the leg in an emergency. In addition, movement restrictions often occur here, and the bone often loses its strength due to the onset of cancer, which quickly leads to bone fracture even under normal stress ("pathological fracture"). However, bone pain in the leg may also indicate osteoporosis ("bone loss"), which is a bone metabolism disorder resulting in a decrease in bone density and accelerated degradation of bone structure and structure. As a result, there is also a significantly increased susceptibility to fracture, with vertebral fractures and femoral fractures becoming particularly common.
symptoms
Depending on the many possible causes, leg pain can also occur in very different forms and intensities and be accompanied by a variety of other symptoms. Accordingly, the discomfort, for example, in severe joint bruise, may be particularly pronounced on appearance, however, e.g. Arteriosclerosis, it can also be severe at rest. These can be perceived as a function of the cause, for example in a muscle tear as sharp or pungent and einschießend, also for calf cramps a tearing or pulling pain is typical.
In other cases (such as arthritis in the knee joint), the painful, red-swollen area also feels warm or hot, and swelling and pain often lead to restricted mobility or the taking of a protective posture. If the nerves are affected (such as in diabetes), the symptoms can also be accompanied by a numbness in the legs and muscle weakness, are often strong, nagging sensations such as "ant-tingling" or burning in legs and feet.
Knee pain is a particularly common form of leg pain. (Image: SENTELLO / fotolia.com) Aching legs at night / lying down
If it comes to leg pain, especially at night or after prolonged lying, in many cases, a so-called "peripheral arterial disease" (in short: paVK), which is a circulatory disorder of the limbs. Arteriosclerosis ("hardening of the arteries") causes the chronic vascular disease of the arteries, in the first place smoking plays a central role. Accordingly, the advanced stage paVK is often referred to as a "smoker's leg", where arteriosclerosis can also be promoted by other risk factors such as physical inactivity, obesity, diabetes mellitus, lipid metabolism disorders, hypertension or hyperthyroidism. A PAVK usually begins insidiously and unnoticed, as early symptoms such as occasional leg pain, facial blanching, skin problems on legs and feet, hair loss on the legs or chills are often not consciously taken seriously. In the further course, however, increasingly severe calf pain occurs during walking, which arise because the affected leg does not receive enough oxygen due to the impaired circulation. As a result, now only short stretches can be walked without pain and instead frequent breaks are used, which is why colloquially often of the "intermittent claudication" is mentioned. In addition, there are often foot and buttocks pain and discomfort in the thighs. Later, the calf pain then occur in peace, which are often a real pain especially at night or after prolonged lying.
If the disease reaches the last stage, the circulation is already reduced to such an extent that even small injuries at this time only heal badly. As a result, infections, chronic wounds and ulcers on the feet and toes are in danger. In addition, there is a risk that the surrounding tissue dies (necrosis), which even threatens amputation in severe cases. Accordingly, it is important for good blood flow and healthy vessels to reduce risk factors such as smoking or obesity, and to take regular medical check-ups and check-ups as early as possible to get the first signs of PAOD such as dry skin on legs and feet or pain in the calves in time to recognize and thereby be able to initiate appropriate treatment steps.
Leg pain in the thigh
If the symptoms in the thigh on, come here, too, various causes into consideration, which is often based on no serious disease. Nevertheless, the thigh pain for the person concerned can be a real pain and a severe physical restriction. Often, the pain in this area caused by injuries such as a bruise (contusion) as a result of blunt violence (fall, blow, impact, etc.). A typical example is the clash with a player in so-called "contact sports" such as football, handball or hockey, through which smallest blood vessels under the skin burst, causing blood in the surrounding tissue. Swelling and severe pain develop, shortly afterwards the skin turns blue at the affected area and a hematoma develops, which in some cases can reach enormous proportions. In addition, the injury often causes massive movement restrictions, with strong bruises even short-term paralysis phenomena are possible.
A torn muscle in the thigh or calf muscles can lead to severe leg pain. It is a sports injury that results in a rupture of muscle tissue due to a sudden, particularly violent movement or extreme overloading. Typical here are a sudden severe pain, combined with a clearly audible "tearing", also the function of the leg is disturbed immediately, whereby an occurrence or running is no longer possible for the time being. In addition, it is often possible to feel an indentation on the affected area, which forms a strong swelling a few hours after the injury.
In addition, a strain can be the cause of the discomfort in the upper or lower leg, which is one of the most common sports-related injuries. In this case, the affected usually feels at first a tension of the affected muscle and a slight pulling, also feels the affected area hard. In addition, there are cramping pains, which typically become slowly and continuously stronger, as well as the function of the muscle, which gradually decreases over time. Strain develops particularly fast when athletes do not warm up sufficiently or through muscle overload, as well as in sports with very abrupt movements (such as basketball). In addition, there are other risk factors such as poor health due to illness, inappropriate footwear or foot deformity.
In addition, a number of orthopedic or neurological causes of the pain come into consideration. Possible are e.g. Impairment of the femoral femoral nerve, which arises from the spinal cord segments of the lumbar vertebrae (L1 - L4) and leads through the so-called "muscle portal" to the thigh. If the pain suddenly sets in and the affected area is reddened, warm and swollen at the same time, in rarer cases it can also be a closure (thrombosis) of the leg veins. In addition, a herniated disc can be the trigger, feels the thigh underneath the buttocks tense and hard, beyond the sciatic nerve may be trapped.
calf pain
A common cause of pain in the calf are muscle cramps, which are usually completely unexpected, e.g. occur during jogging and normally make normal walking impossible until disintegration. In most cases calf cramps are triggered by under- or overstraining of the musculature, which often affects athletes when their muscles are under excessive strain. This is usually accompanied by excessive sweating during exercise as a further risk factor, as it causes the body not only to lose fluids but also important minerals (for example, magnesium or potassium), which, however, are indispensable for muscle function. However, those who are less susceptible to cramps are those who stress their muscles by sitting at their desk or having a general lack of exercise. As a result, nocturnal calf cramps can occur, but can also be caused, for example, by overstraining of the feet (e.g., by long wear of unsuitable shoes), foot deformity, excessive alcohol consumption, medications (diuretics, high blood pressure, etc.), or a disease, such as migraine. Diabetes or varicose veins (varices) can be triggered.
A hamstring may also be the reason for calf pain. This occurs when muscle tissue breaks in the calf due to a sudden over-exertion (e.g., when jumping off) or sustained heavy use (e.g., in competitive sports). Accordingly, this is also a typical sports injury which is particularly common in those sports in which, for example, in football permanently run and stopped again or as for example when sprinting or jumping the speed force is used. In addition, but also direct violence (kick, punch, etc.) can cause a torn muscle, as well as. Foot deformity, inadequate regeneration after injury or muscle hardening. Characteristic of a hamstring is above all a suddenly einschießender pain or the feeling that in the calf something "breaks". In addition, walking and standing on tiptoe is only possible under extreme pain or in some cases not even possible. In addition, this injury sometimes leads to the formation of an indentation, and after some time, thick calves usually develop due to the strong swelling around the affected area.
If the pain suddenly occurs, a deep vein thrombosis (phlebothrombosis) can be the trigger, which results in the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) in a deep leg vein partially or even completely to a vascular occlusion. Typical symptoms here are a sudden, strong swelling and that feels unusually warm or hot and / or tense, externally, the thrombosis is recognizable by a bluish or reddish discoloration of the skin. Since deep vein thrombosis, if left untreated, can lead to complications such as pulmonary embolism or a post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) relatively quickly, any suspicion should be promptly medically clarified.
In addition, a number of other possible causes of a painful calf come into consideration, such. chronic circulatory disorders ("peripheral arterial disease", in short: PAOD) or a so-called "compartment syndrome", in which e.g. as a result of bruising there is increased tissue pressure in a delimited area ("compartment") of the lower leg. Also, a herniated disc, through which sufferers depending on the area and severity in part, the most massive, deep thigh or back pain feel that radiate into the calves or even feet. Commonly, these complaints are colloquially referred to as "lumbago" or "sciatic pain", which typically amplify during exercise and usually last for a longer period.
Many children suffer from leg pain during periods of growth. (Image: utah778 / fotolia.com) Leg pain in children
Many parents are aware of children suddenly complaining of pain in their feet or legs while walking. In many cases, however, there is no cause for concern. Instead, children of pre-primary and primary school age are often so-called "growing pains", which occur frequently in the evening or at night. These can - but do not necessarily - occur in both legs at the same time and sometimes stop for a while, but often they disappear after a few minutes by themselves. Basically, the discomfort can be felt throughout the leg and in the feet, but especially often the knees and lower legs are affected. Why waxing in some cases hurts, is still not fully understood, but suspected are, inter alia, a strong stretching of the tendons and ligaments due to the nocturnal growth spurts and an overload of not yet mature muscles. Regardless of the cause, however, the pain can become very severe and stressful for a young person, so it is particularly important to have a lot of understanding, to be there for the child and to give them physical closeness and emotional affection.
Growth pain is a so-called "exclusion diagnosis", which means that all serious causes of the condition must first be excluded. If the symptoms often occur suddenly while running, it should therefore first be checked whether they could not have a very "harmless" reason such as slipped socks, badly fitting or too small shoes or a blister, bruise or abrasion on the foot. On the other hand, if there is a prolonged pain (especially at night), the child should always be examined by a doctor, because in addition to the frequently occurring and harmless "concomitants" of growing, a number of other causes of leg pain come into consideration. Possible, for example, a Fehlbelastung of the leg or a so-called "Hüftschnupfen" (coxitis fugax), which is a non-bacterial inflammation of the hip, which affects mostly children or adolescents from three to ten years. The exact cause is unknown so far, but in many cases a viral disease such as. a flu-like infection ahead. Typical of the usually harmless disease are primarily hip pain, which usually occur on one side and can radiate from the groin to the thigh or even the knee. As a result, the children do not want to continue running, moreover, is often due to the limited mobility only a limp possible.
In addition, injury (bruising, compression, stretching, etc.) due to falls, accidents, etc. is particularly common and causes acute leg pain in children. In addition, in rare cases may also be a serious cause such as joint inflammation by an infection with viruses (eg mumps, Ringelrötel) or bacteria (eg streptococci or Borrelia), are still possible, inter alia, a juvenile idiopathic arthritis ("pediatric rheumatism "), A so-called" Hüftkopfnekrose "as a result of circulatory disorders, blood, tumor or immune disorders and coagulation disorders.
Accordingly, sudden onset of severe or prolonged leg pain in children should always be taken seriously and, above all, must be assessed by a physician if swelling and / or overheating of the joint, larger hematomas or a larger wound is evident. The same applies in the event that the child can no longer occur, minimal movements already cause severe pain or the pain sensation is limited or eliminated.
Manual therapies can be used on numerous causes of leg pain. (Image: contrastwerkstatt / fotolia.com) Treatment for leg pain
The treatment of aching legs is dependent on the cause and can accordingly comprise very different measures. For example, if sore muscles are present, restlessness, patience and the administration of magnesium are often sufficient, while vein-related leg complaints such as varicose veins or water in the legs are, for example, Venom remedies from horse chestnut extract or arnica as well as compression stockings used, in part, interventions such as a sclerotherapy or surgical removal are performed.
For example, if there is a bruise, the initial treatment ideally follows the so-called "PECH scheme". This means that in order to avoid further damage, the affected person must first stop exercising and, instead, rest his leg (break). In addition, the affectedCool as soon as possible with ice bags, envelopes, cold compresses or spray to avoid spreading of the swelling (ice). It is also advisable to create an elastic compression bandage, by which pressure exerted on the appropriate place and thus the internal bleeding can be further inhibited (compression). Further bleeding into the surrounding tissue and swollen legs can also be prevented by the high-altitude storage, because due to gravity less blood reaches the affected body site. In most cases, the swelling will recur on its own after several days due to a bruise, leaving no consequences, but it is usually advisable to take a short break from exercise to allow the injury to heal completely. In the event of a severe or extensive contusion, a doctor should always be consulted as a precaution in order to prevent deeper injuries.
Osteopathy or FDM treatment can help with leg pain. (Image: schwede-photodesign / fotolia.com) Also, a hamstring is usually treated first by the PECH method, added usually painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen). In addition, measures such as lymphatic drainage or refrigeration applications are sometimes used for further treatment. In the case of injuries with a functional restriction, on the other hand, athletes usually require surgical intervention, as otherwise deformations and dysfunctions are imminent. After surgery, the affected muscle should then be immobilized for six weeks to prevent rupture again. High-altitude storage and cooling are also the means of choice for straining. In addition, should be waived for at least a week on athletic training or the leg will be charged again only when the hardening and pain have completely disappeared.
In other cases, such as In case of circulatory disorders, on the other hand, moderate exercise therapy (walking training, foot roll exercises, etc.) will help against the pain in the leg. In addition, medications (e.g., acetylsalicylic acid, clopidogrel) are commonly used, but in some cases, medical procedures such as embolectomy, dilation of the affected vessel, or surgery are also necessary. Above all, it is important to actively cooperate with the patient to avoid complications and serious consequences of a circulatory disorder such as heart attack, stroke or amputation. Accordingly, smoking should be given up as well as a weight reduction for overweight should be sought. Other important factors in the treatment include regular exercise, a healthy, balanced diet and timely and consistent treatment of existing diseases such as diabetes mellitus or elevated cholesterol.
Home remedies for leg pain
If the symptoms appear in a slight form in the calves, which, according to a medical examination no more serious causes such. have a chronic circulatory disorder, various home remedies for calf pain can help relieve them. Since the pain in many cases occurs after exertion in the form of convulsions, e.g. often already the consumption of mineral-containing foods such. Apple juice spritzer, banana or almonds have a preventative effect, and care should always be taken to ensure adequate warming up before the sport. Muscle relaxing and thus beneficial in cramps also rubs in with cold - pressed oil, which is enriched with a few drops of lavender or rosemary essential oil.
Also calf wrap is a proven home remedy in the case of calf pain and cramps, by e.g. applied with lean quark to bring a cooling and relieving effect. These are easily and quickly made by putting some quark on a cloth, then the corners of the cloth are wrapped and wrapped around the affected calf.
Naturopathy for aching legs
In case of growth-related leg pain, especially in the evening or at night, the affected child needs first and foremost a great deal of parental care and closeness in order to be distracted from the symptoms and to go to sleep. In addition, heat, for example, has a beneficial effect. in the form of a hot water bottle or a grain pillow, which is placed on the affected area. Alternatively, a warm bath is also very good, which allows the little patient relaxation and the pain is often relieved quickly. Parents can also do something good for their children through a gentle massage of the leg, in which, in circular motions, e.g. Apply a relaxing and soothing Arnica Ointment or a few drops of St. John's wort oil to the affected areas.
Naturopathy also offers some effective procedures for patients with circulatory disorders that can be used as a supplement. Here are, for example, applications of hydrotherapy in question, for which especially the property of water is used as an ideal refrigerant and heat transfer. However, it should be noted here that some measures, such as a foot bath are contraindicated in a disturbed Duschblutung and should therefore not be used. On the other hand, it can be beneficial to have a simple warm-cold alternating shower, which promotes the elasticity of the vessels and stimulates the circulation. For this purpose, the warm shower jet is initially directed from the lower foot up in the direction of the heart and then back again. This process is then repeated two to three times and then repeated two to three times with cold water. Good for functional or arterial circulatory disorders is also a so-called "carbonic acid bath", as this has a disinfectant and pain-relieving effect and has a positive influence on the blood circulation and flow properties of the blood. The application is carried out either as a partial or full body bath in carbon dioxide-enriched water, with a therapeutic effect between 1000 and 1400 milligrams of carbon dioxide per liter of water are necessary. The temperature of the bath should be between 28 to 31 ° C, therefore, in case of problems with the blood circulation, this special application must always be carried out by qualified personnel.
A calf massage can also relieve the feeling of an "internal blood congestion". For this, the calf is covered with both hands and applied slight pressure, which relaxes the muscles and blood flow is stimulated. In addition, in order to support the veins in the transport of the blood to the heart "from bottom to top" and thereby ensure sufficient blood flow, regularly performed simple exercises from the venous gymnastics can help. A "classic" is here the seesawing on the toes ("Fußwippe"), in which for a few seconds on your toes and then the foot is rolled back. Now, conversely, the toes are stretched upwards and unrolled again on the ball. This exercise can be repeated at will, but at least five passes should be made.
Homeopathic medicines can also have a positive effect in the initial stage of a circulatory disorder. Here, for example, tingling in the limbs, numbness and pain in the legs Abrotanum (Eberraute) into consideration, increase the symptoms of heat and movement (as in the case of the "intermittent clitoris") Tabacum can also be the drug of choice. In addition, depending on the particular condition, e.g. Espeletia grandiflora, Secale cornutum (ergot) and creosote (beech wood tar) are also used, so before talking always talk to a suitable expert. (No)
Picture 1: Lupo 