Causes and Treatments for Aching Legs

By somerset

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

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Many people experience leg pain due to a number of different causes. Treatment for aching legs varies depending on factors like the overall severity, what area of the leg is affected and the cause of the pain. Treatments can range from taking over-the-counter pain medication to surgery, depending on the underlying cause of the leg pain.

An individual's leg aches may be due to genetics, disease, muscle strain or physical injury. Common causes include varicose veins in older people, growing pains in younger people and muscle overuse from strenuous exercise or physical labor.

1. Shin Splints

Shin splits are a common cause of leg pain and may affect both sexes and people of all ages. Shin splints are typically caused by intense exercise regimes or new leg workouts and are very common among athletes, soldiers, and runners. The pain comes from overworking the muscles along the shinbone and can be very intense.

Luckily, shin splints are easy to treat at home by icing the affected area and resting. Wearing the right shoes when exercising may also make a big difference, as proper support is key to avoiding leg injuries.¹‘Shin Splints.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 17 Sept. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shin-splints/symptoms-causes/syc-20354105.