Medication for Leg Pain

Leg pain is something that most every person feels or has felt at some point. There are different kinds of pain, and it's known to occur in one leg or both. Exercise or muscle strain is not always the cause of the pain, whether chronic or isolated. There are several possible causes, and treatment can vary accordingly. Medication is available over the counter for simple types of pain, or stronger, doctor-prescribed drugs for more complex issues.

Causes of Leg Pain

Leg pain can result from cramps caused by dehydration, muscle fatigue or strain. Stress fractures to a leg bone, tendonitis or shin splints are also factors. Other common causes include blood clots, bone infections, joint inflammation, nerve damage and varicose veins.

Medications

Recommended medications for leg pain vary depending on the cause or ailment, but standard medications include anti-inflammatory drugs such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, anticoagulants such as Coumadin for blood thinning in case of a clot, and antibiotics for infection. Besides medications, some doctors prescribe physical therapy up to and including surgery if the problem involves more severe complications such as cancer.

Home Treatment

Some leg pain, especially minor or irritating pain, can be treated at home without involving a doctor. In these cases, rest is usually the best medicine. To help alleviate pain, the leg can also be elevated, gently stretched or massaged. Application of ice is helpful if used for 15 minutes about four times per day, and over-the-counter pain medicines such as aspirin can be taken for pain and swelling. For pain from varicose veins, a leg elevation with compression from elastic bandages or support hose can be of some help.

Contacting a Doctor

Severe symptoms accompanying leg pain should be a warning to go see a medical professional as soon as possible. These include swelling or redness, appearance of a fever, pain coming and going during exertion, black and blue marks forming, or legs that are cold or pale-colored.

Prevention

Little can be done to prevent simple muscle strain or aches short of proper care when working or exercise to minimize risk. If individuals are prone to recurrent leg pain from either simple or more severe symptoms, there are a few preventive measures. Smoking or tobacco use should be stopped, and alcohol consumption limited. Blood sugar should be regulated, especially in diabetics, and high cholesterol and blood pressure regulated. Finally, proper hydration is important by drinking plenty of liquids.

References

• Leg Pain; Magruder Donaldson; 2004
• 3 Minutes to a Pain-Free Life: The Groundbreaking Program for Total Body Pain Prevention and Rapid Relief; Joseph Weisberg and Heidi Shink; 2005