Joint pains, or muscle cramps could cause leg pains. The most common cause of joint pain in the legs is arthritis. This condition develops with age. Arthritis is a condition in which the articulation of bones slowly wears down over time. This causes pains every time they function. In Ayurvedic terminology, this is known as Aama Vata.
Muscle cramps affect usually the muscle of the leg. This condition is known in Ayurveda as Khalli Vata. Pindikoveshtana is the name for muscle cramps that only affect the calf muscles. Ayurvedic medicine says that most pains are due to vitiation in the vata. The Vyana vata can be vitiated in the case of leg cramps and muscle pains. This sub-dosha is part of vata that regulates the involuntary bodies muscles.
When there is ama in the body, pains can occur. Ama refers to toxic substances that can’t be eliminated from the body due to poor digestion. This ama is responsible for many problems including leg cramps. High agni (i.e., ama) can cause excessive ama. The pitta dosha governs the digestive fire. With leg pains, there’s also a pitta connection.
(1) Treatment for Leg Pain: Useful Herbs
1. Clove (Syzygium aromaum)
As a poultice, clove oil can be applied to the leg muscles. This oil is great for pain relief, particularly if you are suffering from muscle cramps.
2. Ginger (Zingiberofficinale).
Ginger is known for its amazing painkilling abilities. Ginger should be included in the daily food if you suffer from chronic pains in your legs.
3. Licorice (Glycyrrhizaglabra).
Licorice can be used to relieve muscle pains. Infusions of the roots should be made in hot water, and left to rest overnight. It is a great way to treat almost any type of problem with your muscles.
4. Madhuca (Madhuca indica)
Madhuca is good for leg pains due to rheumatism. The oil can be applied to the area affected.
5. Pepper (Piper nigrum)
The dilation of the superficial blood vessels by pepper aids in blood flow. You can use it to treat muscle pains, and also as an analgesic.
(2) Leg Pains: Dietary Treatments
Poor digestion can lead to leg pains so it is important not to eat any foods that could cause problems. Do not consume constipating foods; keep your diet simple. Eat plenty of leafy greens and other fiber-rich vegetables. Vitamin C, which is found in tomatoes, oranges, and amalaki, can also be beneficial for digestion. Make it a point to have a plantain after every meal. Plantain, a plantain-based food is rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium and other minerals. It is very beneficial to the proper functioning of your leg area’s metabolism. If you are suffering from leg pains, it is important to avoid chocolate and coffee.
Insufficient fluid intake is a major problem. Leg pains are often caused by dehydration. Drink one glass water per hour throughout the day to avoid dehydration.
(3) Ayurvedic treatments for leg pain
Ayurveda has a number of oils that can be applied externally to the legs. In the case of sudden pain, it is likely that they are cramps. Mahanarayana tailam and Praharinitailam may be applied for relief in such situations. Applying oil to the affected areas and warming them a little can have better results.
For internal administration, Sinhanaada Guggulu is prescribed. It is also mildly laxative. It will correct any digestive issues that may exist. Pratapa Lankeshwara rasa, and Laxmivilasa Rasa are two other commonly prescribed medications.
(4) Home remedies to relieve leg pain
1. If your legs are aching, there are simple exercises that can help. Here are some of the exercises:
a) Lay on your back, on a firm mattress. You can wear loose clothes over your legs such as pajamas or shorts. Lift your legs as high as you can. Your heels should be pointed skywards. For about ten seconds, stretch your legs and bring them back down. Repeat the process five times per session and then repeat it three more times a day.
Alternately, you could stand in front of a wall that is at least an arm’s distance away. Reach out with both your hands and touch the wall. Slowly pull your body forward, towards the wall. Feel the pressure buildup in your legs. For about ten second, hold this position and let go. This exercise can be repeated five times per day.
c) Yoga offers many leg stretching techniques that have great benefits. These include Janusandhi (Uttanpadasana), Janusandhi (Gomukhasana)
2 Drink lemon water mixed with salt if cramps happen during exercise or other physical activities.
Three: If you are experiencing leg pains due to arthritis in your legs, grind two to three garlic cloves and mix them with a glass milk. You can boil it until it is reduced to one-quarter of its original volume and consume it before you go to sleep.
A hot pack can be applied to the legs or steaming them. This will improve blood circulation and reduce pain. Applying cold packs can also help. The cold packs will help reduce blood circulation in the legs region, and the muscle relax.
Five Add one tablespoon of camphor to twenty teaspoons of mustard oil. You can leave this oil in the sunlight for as long as it takes to dissolve in the oil. You can massage the legs with this oil on a daily base.
6. Apply a turmeric paste with salt to a sprain on your leg.