5 Solutions For Heaviness And Leg Pain To Walk Comfortably In NO Time
5 Solutions For Heaviness And Leg Pain To Walk Comfortably In NO Time
Feeling a heaviness or pain in the legs can come from a lot of sources, and in many cases don’t necessarily require a doctor’s assistance. But it’s difficult to know what pinches or pains are okay to treat at home and what require a trip to the hospital.
If your leg heaviness or pain is causing you discomfort when you walk, try these tips to identifying the source of your problem and treating the pain naturally. Here are five of the most common sources of leg pain or heaviness and what you can do the relieve the pain:
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis, also known as policeman’s foot, is characterized by the inflammation of the tissue that connects your heel bone with your toes. When this particular band of tissue, called the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed, it leads to a stabbing pain in the heel. Pain occurs most typically in the morning or after the individual has been resting, slightly decreasing throughout the day as the individual walks.
Plantar Fasciitis is frequently found in athletes, people who are overweight, or people who wear shoes that don’t provide adequate support.
For some, Plantar Fasciitis can be treated with ibuprofen used in conjunction with physical therapy and night splints that assist in strengthening and stretching the plantar fascia. To prevent Plantar Fasciitis, individuals should maintain a healthy weight, avoid shoes with high heels, and stretch frequently.
Bunions and Hammertoes
Bunions occur when the bone at the base of the big toe or tissue around the joint enlarges. When this happens, the big toe can potentially rotate into the second toe, sometimes causing Hammertoe. Hammertoe, characterized by a downturned second toe and rising of the toe’s middle joint, is usually caused in an effort to make room for big toe’s new position.
Bunions are not always painful, but they can cause pain in the toe, base of the toe, or area around the swollen joint. Skin irritation, joint stiffness, and the turning of the big toe are also symptoms of bunions.
If you feel that you are starting to develop bunions, avoid kinds of exercise that put added pressure on your toe, like dance and ballet. Instead, try swimming or bicycling. You can also put special pads in your shoes or around your toes to alleviate pressure on the joints. In severe cases, surgery may be needed.
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Calluses
Calluses are the rough patches that form on your hands and feet. While they don’t usually need medical treatment, they can still be uncomfortable and unsightly to look at. Calluses don’t always cause pain, but might when applying pressure or squeezing them.
If you are developing calluses from your shoes, buy a pair with more padding and support. You can rid your feet of calluses by soaking in warm water and using a pumice stone to remove dead skin.
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles Tendon is the connective muscle between your heel and your calf that gives you flexibility in your ankle. When this tendon becomes inflamed or irritated, this is referred to as Achilles Tendonitis. Achilles Tendonitis is often associated with Achilles Tendinosis, which is categorized by micro-tears along the Achilles Tendon. Together, Achilles Tendonitis and Achilles Tendinosis is referred to as Achilles Tendinopathy. In most cases, Achilles pain is caused my tendinosis and not tendonitis, but the two frequently go hand in hand.
Achilles Tendinopathy is identified by a heaviness or sluggishness in the leg if the Achilles Tendon area is tender to the touch, or pain in the heel. While a problem with the Achilles does not always show immediate symptoms, untreated tears or inflammation can lead to permanent damage.
In most cases, Achilles damage can be repaired with stretching, ice, and rest. In severe cases, physical therapy may be necessary, which usually includes stretching and massage.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton’s Neuroma occurs when the nerve in the ball of your foot swells and thickens. This can lead to a burning or stabbing pain when walking and you may even be able to feel a lump in the ball of your foot.
In most circumstances, you will need a doctor to diagnose your condition. It is also helpful to have an x-ray of the foot done to ensure there is not a different problem causing your pain.
If you’re suffering from Morton’s Neuroma, avoid wearing high-heeled or pointed shoes that could pinch your toes and make the swelling worse. Massage your feet to reduce tension of the muscles and stay off your feet as often as possible. If necessary, taking ibuprofen can reduce pain and swelling.
If you’re suffering from heaviness or pain in your legs, try to identify the source of your pain and treat accordingly. While this discomfort can be alarming, following a strict regimen of ice, massage, and stretching can typically relieve pain associated with foot and leg conditions.