Why do my Legs Ache all the Time?
Have you started a new activity or increased an existing activity, such as walking, jogging, or working out at the gym? Did you have an accident that involved your leg or back? Taking any new medication? Recovering from surgery?
If you have answered, “Yes” to any of these questions, and are now experiencing leg pain, it’s time to find out why. Many people in Manalapan and the surrounding towns are asking, “Why do my legs ache all the time?”
Leg pain ranges from mild to severe, and may be acute (lasts 3 - 6 months) or chronic (lasts over 6 months), often increasing with joint movement or activity. Pain may come on suddenly or develop over time. It may include the entire leg (pelvic to feet) or a section of the leg. If leg pain is associated with the entire leg, it is often referred to as sciatica.
Patients describe their symptoms as:
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Sharp and Stabbing, Burning or Tingling Pain
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Numbness
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Muscle Weakness
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Tenderness and/or Swelling
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Uncontrollable urge to move Legs
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“Crawling” under the Skin
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Itching
Leg Pain Reasons
There are many leg pain reasons, some of which may not stem from the leg. These include:
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Muscles and/or Tendon Strains
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Ligament Sprains
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Subluxation (Spinal Bone Misalignment)
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Herniated/Bulging Disc
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Pinched Nerve or Irritation
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Poor Posture and Biomechanics
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Repetitive, Overuse or Excessive Force (Shin Splint)
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Bone Fracture
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Nerve Damage
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Joint Diseases: Osteoarthritis, RA, Psoriatic Arthritis, Gout, Bursitis, Tendonitis)
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Restless Leg Syndrome
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DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)
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PAD (Peripheral Artery Disease
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Neuropathy
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Lack of Exercise or Inactivity
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Overweight
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Poor Diet (Nutritional Deficiencies), Dehydration, Electrolyte Imbalance
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Medication Side Effects
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Smoking
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Infection
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Bone Cancer
Leg Pain Relief - without Drugs or Surgery
At Manalapan Spine Care and Rehabilitation, our goal is to identify the underlying or root cause of leg pain, in order to create a customized and effective treatment program for leg pain relief. This is accomplished via an in-depth health history, structural and muscular examination and diagnostic testing (x-rays and other imaging studies). Unless the cause is established and corrected, symptoms can continue, become worse, recur or even lead to surgery. In addition, pain medication overuse or addiction at times may result, if left untreated or improperly treated.
Therapy for Leg Pain at Manalapan Spine Care and Rehabilitation
As a multi-specialty Medical Center, we effectively integrate some of the following treatment and therapy for leg pain, in order to reduce pain, expedite healing and help you return to daily activities.
CHIROPRACTIC CARE: Various techniques and modalities are offered to address structural imbalances and nerve function. These include spine and joint manipulation, manual traction, soft tissue massage, trigger point therapy, TENS (Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation), ultrasound, moist heat therapy, cryotherapy and postural counseling.
PHYSICAL THERAPY: Physical therapy treatment options for leg pain relief may include Exercise (stretching, strengthening and low-impact aerobics), Kinesio Taping, Manual Techniques, Myofascial Release, Soft Tissue Massage, TENS, Traction and Ultrasound. In addition, modifications at home and at work may be necessitated, along with assistive devices and supports, including durable medical equipment
PAIN MANAGEMENT: Dietary modifications and nutritional supplements can help to reduce leg pain and encourage healing. If necessitated, trigger point injections, Viscosupplementation and ReBuilder® treatments are available.
ACUPUNCTURE: As an ancient, non-invasive treatment option, acupuncture utilizes very fine, sterile and disposable needles that stimulate specific places on the body to help provide leg pain relief.
THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE: Patients often add therapeutic massage to their treatment program to help reduce stress and swelling, increase blood circulation and promote healing.
LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS: If you smoke tobacco - try to stop, maintain a healthy diet and weight, exercise most days (with your doctor’s approval), maintain proper posture and biomechanics, practice stress reduction techniques (yoga, meditation), wear supportive and properly fitting footwear, and maintain good health with regular chiropractic care.
Call Manalapan Spine Care and Rehabilitation at (732) 972-5900 and schedule a Free Consultation. We want to help you reduce or eliminate leg pain and resume your active lifestyle. Let us customize a leg treatment program just for you. Live locally? We will come and pick you up.
Call today, and stop wondering, “Why do my legs ache all the time?”.