Therapy for Leg Pain
Therapy can be an alternative pain relief method for leg pain. Knowing the cause is important in selecting the kind of therapy. Cold temperature therapy is effective for leg pain caused by injury. Meanwhile, hot temperature therapy is good for relieving constant leg pain. Magnetic therapy is effective for any kind of leg pain.
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Causes
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There are several triggers that can cause leg pain. Fatigue is a common cause of leg pain. It's caused by working your legs--walking, working out, climbing stairs--more than your legs can withstand. Dehydration, mineral deficiency and certain medications can also cause leg pain. By avoiding these conditions, you decrease your chances of experiencing leg pain.
Drink eight, 8 oz. glasses of water a day to avoid dehydration; overweight people need to drink more water. For every extra 25 pounds on your body. drink another 8 oz. glass of water. Those lacking the proper amount of potassium, calcium, sodium and magnesium become more vulnerable to leg pain. Wheat bran cereals, pasta, nuts and rice are all good sources of these four minerals. If you believe a medication is causing your leg pain, tell your doctor.
Magnetic Therapy
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Professional therapists administer magnetic therapy, but majority of people prefer to use magnetic therapy products because they are cheaper and more convenient. Most manufacturers sell products online, which range from a magnetic knee brace to magnetic bed mattress.
Magnetic therapy products should be worn when pain is present. When your leg pain is completely gone, you can take the product off. Pregnant women and people with electromagnetic devices, like defibrillators and pacemakers, should talk to their doctor before using magnetic therapy products.
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Hot Temperature Therapy
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Hot temperature therapy relieves pain by increasing blood flow. The method is best used as alternative pain relief for lingering pain. An electric heating pad and microwavable gel pack are common methods of hot temperature therapy. They can be purchased at drug stores and online.
Plug in the electric heating pad or activate the gel pack in the microwave (using the instructions on the product), and apply the device to the area in pain for 30 minutes. Periodically, check the area to make sure your skin doesn't burn. You can repeat the hot temperature therapy treatment as much as needed with a 45-minute break between treatments.
Cold Temperature Therapy
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Cold temperature therapy provides relief by slowing down blood flow. It's best used for leg pain caused by injury. Use the method right after an injury occurs. Wrap an ice pack or small bag of ice in a washcloth, and put it on the painful area for 20 minutes. During that time, check your skin to make sure you do not suffer freezer burn. You can use cold temperature therapy often as necessary throughout the day with an hou-long break between treatments.
Home Care
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In addition to magnetic, hot temperature and cold temperature therapies ,proper home care can keep your leg pain to a minimum. Relax as much as possible. Keep your leg elevated as you relax. Ice the sore spot on your leg four times a day, for 15 minutes each time. Stretch and massage the muscle as well. In addition, take standard over-the-counter pain medication to help reduce your leg pain. By properly treating the problem upon arrival, you lower your chances of suffering repeated pain.
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