The leg muscles are the first to give way in a situation of too much of walking or standing and this is due to fatigue and loss of energy. The legs are full of tendons and muscles and so they obviously like every other muscle need to be relaxed at regular intervals failing which they may lead to aching or tired legs. While leg pain commonly occurs after an injury, this need not be the only reason. Several factors like conditions affecting bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, blood vessels and skin are responsible for aching legs. These factors usually cause inflammation or overstretching of tissues which is the source of pain. Leg pain can both be a symptom and complaint at once. Depending upon the cause and the situation, symptoms of leg pain can be represented in a wide range. The pain may be described in different ways like sharp, dull, heavy, aching, burning or other associated symptoms, depending upon the cause.

Aching legs can also be a result of various causes like muscle fatigue, strain due to overuse and too much of exercise. Holding a muscle in the same position for a long time too is included. Blood clot due to longer period of bed rest, Atherosclerosis that blocks blood flow in the arteries, inflammation of the leg joints by arthritis, infection of the tissues and nerve damage are also some of the common causes. Another reason may be an injury from a torn or overstretched muscle, shin splits, hairline crack in the bone and inflamed tendon.

Since, there can be varied reasons for leg pain, the treatment too depends on the accurate diagnosis. Once the reason for the pain is established, focus is made on both pain control and controlling the underlying problem to prevent or lessen future occurrences. Taking rest, using ice, compression and elevation are the initial acts to be followed for effective pain control. This is the initial phase of treatment. Alternating heat and ice may be useful. Leg aches in people with diabetes is very hard to control and hence a lifetime of blood-sugar control is needed. Other lifetime controls to be looked out for are high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking. Maintaining an ideal weight is necessary as too much of weight can cause stress on bones and joints. Exercise regularly and opt for a healthy balanced diet with adequate calcium and Vit D intake for stronger bones and joint flexibility.

Maintaining good control of the disease is necessary as this minimizes the risk of developing complications associated with it

Further Reading:

Aching Legs Causes & Symptoms

Care Home in Sussex : Senior dementia and alzheimers care adult and senior care home Sussex.