Achy Legs Causes

Femur, tibia and fibula are the main bones in legs and sometimes, a problem with any one of them can cause excruciating pain in your leg. Foot is the most dependable part of your body, on which you rest your body easily. There are more chances of leg injuries than any other body injuries, because legs keep you in moving condition. Achy legs can affect your daily activities very badly. Achy legs are experienced not only by old people but also by young people, perhaps as a result of a fast paced stressful life. You should take proper care of legs, as legs provide the necessary support to your body. Here is an overview of achy legs causes.

Leg Pain: Causes

• Peripheral Arterial Disease: Peripheral arterial disease in legs is mostly found in older people, as a result of atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries because of fatty deposits inside the arteries), which becomes increasingly common as people age. This disease leads to gradual blockage of arteries. If there is no improvement in the blood flow, the damaged tissues may die as they would be deprived of blood and thus of oxygen and nutrients.
• Standing/Walking: Standing or walking for long hours, is one of the commonly noticed and frequently occurring cause of leg pain, which can also be a cause of leg pain during pregnancy. Pregnant women face the problem of leg pain due to increasing weight and stress. Strain in muscle or nerves is one of the main causes of leg pain in men, women and children.
• Varicose Veins: Varicose veins carry the deoxygenated blood from various parts of the body to the heart. When there is any problem in the valves of these veins, the impure blood starts flowing in the wrong direction, leading to swelling of veins. Mostly, women face this problem and it is one of the common causes of achy legs.
• Tendinitis: Tendons are the connective tissues which join muscles to the bones. Inflammation of the tendons near joints like heel or knee, due to rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes is one of the common causes of achy legs. Arthritis or gout can lead to inflammation of any joint in the leg and can cause severe leg pain.
• Improper Habits: Smoking, excessive alcohol, drug addiction, etc. affect the health of blood vessels. Excessive intake of toxins leads to nerve damage and dysfunction of body systems, resulting in achy legs. This is the cause that occupies the topmost position in the list of common leg pain causes.
• Imbalanced Diet: Lack of balanced and healthy diet is one of the important causes of frequent leg pain. You should supply all nutrients to your body (in correct proportions), if you wish to have strong legs. Lack of potassium, sodium, calcium, or magnesium in the blood can lead to leg pain.
• Menstrual Cycle: During the period of menstruation, women always face the problem of achy legs. 'Hormonal changes' is one of the main causes of weakness that leads to leg pain. During pregnancy and childbirth, women always complain about leg pain.
• Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism can lead to achy legs. In fact, any dysfunction of any system in your body can lead to achy legs, as legs support your body throughout the day and are most strained in any kind of activity.
• Sciatica: The inflammation of sciatic nerve which gives rise to a condition called sciatica, is also a common cause of severe leg pain. There can be tingling sensation or numbness produced by the irritation of the nerve roots.
• Lack of Exercise: As the machines need oiling and servicing, your body also needs certain exercise programs to keep it well, fit and active. Lack of proper and regular exercises leads to achy legs.
• Restless Leg Syndrome: A person who always keeps his legs in motion may have restless leg syndrome and this is one of the main causes of achy legs in children or young adults.
• Dehydration: Dehydration is also one of the common causes of achy legs. Water is essential for body metabolism. Insufficient intake of water can significantly affect your health.
• Previous Injuries: Fractures or any leg injuries can cause severe leg pain. Even after total recovery from a fracture, achy legs can always be a possible cause of disturbance.
• Shoes: A badly fitted shoe or high-heeled footwear is one of the common achy legs causes. Do not use the shoes of latest fashion, if you are not comfortable with them.
• Diseases: Various diseases result in weakness and muscle fatigue, leading to achy legs. Diabetes leads to nerve damage. Circulatory disorders also lead to leg pain.
• Exercise: If you start any kind of exercise after a period of inactivity, then it becomes the cause of achy legs at night.
• Anemia: Iron deficiency anemia is one of the usual causes of leg pain.
• Leg Cramps: Severe leg cramps often leave achy legs for one or two days.
• Tumor: A growing tumor in the leg or even blood-clots in legs can cause severe leg pain.
• Wrong Posture: Wrong posture while standing, sitting or working is one of the main achy legs causes.
• Medications: Intake of certain drugs like allopurinol and corticosteroids may result in leg pain.

Now that you know the common causes of achy legs, I hope, you would take better care of your legs. You should follow a healthy diet and keep your body well hydrated. Providing sufficient rest to legs is also equally important. Using insoles, cane or walker (if necessary), keeping the legs in an elevated position, applying ice, taking pain-killers, etc., can help lower leg pain. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle (even if you often travel long distances), get up and take a leisurely walk every couple of hours. This helps lower the risk of deep vein thrombosis or general leg pain. You should not sit in a position without any leg movement, for a long period. Regular stretching exercises help strengthen your legs. Simple measures like maintaining proper posture, wearing proper shoes, wearing warm leggings during winter, massaging with oils, taking prescribed medicines for the existing diseases can help improve the condition.