Leg pain is a common problem that can have various underlying causes. This symptom can result from injuries or health conditions affecting the joints, bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, or soft tissues. In some cases, lower back problems can also cause leg pain. Fortunately, simple home remedies can help alleviate aching legs. However, certain symptoms may indicate the need for medical attention. Read on to learn about the causes and treatment options for aching legs.

Causes
Dehydration
When one gets dehydrated, the sodium levels and other necessary fluids in the bloodstream decrease. These fluids are essential for relaxing the leg muscles, so a shortage can lead to cramps.

Fatigue due to excessive exercise
Walking or working all day can tire one out and lead to leg pain. The adrenaline rush may make one push oneself beyond physical limits while exercising.

Sleeping or sitting for long hours
A sedentary lifestyle or sitting or sleeping in the same posture can cause leg pain. However, moving around a bit can often help relieve this discomfort.

Injury due to tissue damage
Sudden and abrupt movements can damage leg tissues, leading to pain. In this case, visiting a doctor is recommended to treat the injured tissue.

Bone fracture and infection
When the tibia, fibula, patella, and other leg bones get fractured, they can cause unbearable pain. Certain infections like cellulitis can also cause leg pain.

Inflammation
Arthritis and other similar disorders can cause lifelong pain. Such inflammation can’t be treated, though the pain can be alleviated through certain prescription treatments.

Symptoms
Muscle cramps
Excessive exercise, fatigue, menstruation, or dehydration can cause muscle cramps.

Redness
One’s legs may often have uneven red marks at some parts due to inflammation.

Difficulty in walking
Experiencing difficulty walking or being unable to walk in a straight line is a prevalent symptom that requires medical attention.

Swelling
Excessive pain can cause leg swelling, typically due to tissue damage.

Stiffness
Another common symptom is stiffness, which restricts the movement of muscles and makes it difficult to move them freely.

Remedies
Rest
It’s important to rest and stay hydrated when the body needs it. If one experiences leg pain from fatigue, getting sufficient rest is the best way to recover.

Stretching
Try to move the muscles inch by inch. It is important to stretch frequently in case one has a sedentary work life.

Massage
Pressing and massaging the pressure points under the foot will provide quick relief.

Apply ice
If one is experiencing pain in a specific area, one can try applying ice to the affected area. Ice can effectively reduce redness, stiffness, swelling, and muscle cramps.

Hot water bag
Keep a hot water bag on the legs to relieve pain. It will help with period cramps and swelling.

Treatment
Physiotherapy
When one cannot walk because of an injury, a physiotherapist will aid in moving in the legs with simple stretches. They may also provide medical support equipment for ease of movement.

Prescription treatment
Doctors may prescribe painkillers to their patients to ease the pain and provide quick relief. However, this remedy is temporary and ineffective in the long term.

Surgery
Pain caused by torn tendons, bone fractures, or arthritis may need surgery. An orthopedic surgeon will check one’s leg to determine the root cause of the pain.

Acupuncture
This technique presses the body’s pressure points to relieve pain. One can contact an acupuncture specialist to know the best treatment.