How To Reduce Pain In Lower Legs?

Posted on Tue, 4 Feb 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 4 Feb 2014 Answered on

Fri, 21 Feb 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have started running to reduce my weight and I do this for half an hour. I have started this just 2 days back and I am feeling a pain in the lower legs. But after taking rest for few hours it goes away and when I run next day, it again comes back. What should I do?? Is it because I am running after a very long time or is it some kind of strain? Also suggest me how I can reduce it?

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (45 minutes later)

Brief Answer: muscle strain Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for your query. The fact that your pain is occuring with movements indicates a muscle strain. Any strained muscle when stretched gives severe pain. I advice you to follow the below mentioned guidelines - * Give adequate rest to the involved muscle group and avoid any movement that causes pain * Ice packing once in every 2 hours over the affected area * Moist heat application to relax the muscles * Local application of muscle relaxant gel * Analgesic medications as needed I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query. Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Saurabh Gupta (4 hours later)

Can you tell me any particular muscle relaxant gel and also if it has any side effects?

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (5 hours later)

Brief Answer: You can use Flexabenz Gel. Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX You can use Flexabenz Gel. As it is applied locally, it doesn't causes any significant side effect.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Saurabh Gupta (12 hours later)

So if I apply moist heat to relax the muscles and also apply the above mentioned gel to relax the muscles , then can I continue running everyday ? Or should I wait for a day or two to provide proper rest to the muscles (like running every alternate day) ?

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: You should take rest for few days. Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX , Thanks for your query again. Beside moist heat application and applying muscle relaxant gel, you should take rest for few days for proper healing.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Saurabh Gupta (54 minutes later)

Thank you very much for your help. Also I want to acknowledge that the quick replies you provided were very helpful. Regards XXXX

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Appreciate your reviews about this service Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX Thanks for writing again, I am glad to know that I could address your concern. Please close this discussion, if you do not have any other queries. I would appreciate your reviews about this service. Take care Warm Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E