Sore, aching legs after a long day - something many of us know all too well. Luckily, plenty of natural remedies and simple lifestyle changes can bring relief and help you get the restful sleep your body deserves.
Whether you’re dealing with tight hamstrings from running or swollen calves from the office chair, there are ways to ease your discomfort. In this blog, we'll explore the symptoms and causes of nighttime leg pain and provide solutions so you can feel better fast and start sleeping more soundly each night.
Experiencing leg pain at night can manifest differently for different people. Some of the most common symptoms include:
Got aching legs for no reason? There may be more of an explanation than you think. Pinpointing the root cause of your discomfort can help you find the right treatment. Some of the common leg pain causes at night include:
Different causes of leg pain require different solutions, but here are some general tips for alleviating aching legs at night:
Using cold or heat packs on the affected area to help diminish the discomfort. Remember, it is important to be careful with the temperature of the therapy items in order to avoid burning your skin. Hot and cold therapy may take several applications to achieve relief but it is worth trying for those who want to keep their leg pain from keeping them up at night.
Positioning your leg slightly higher than your heart while keeping your body flat, allows gravity to reduce the pressure in your veins, improve venous blood flow, and reduce swelling. It's important to ensure that it is done correctly so that you can reap the benefits of this technique. If not done properly, you may risk worsening symptoms of nocturnal leg cramps.
Try massaging any knots in the muscles; this will help to relax the tension and alleviate some of the aches. You can use your hands or a foam roller for an effective massage.
In addition to using these treatments for relieving aching legs, you can also incorporate some lifestyle changes and preventive measures to reduce the risk of leg pain at night in the future. Here are a few tips:
Yes, poor circulation can cause aching legs at night. When blood flow is compromised, it can lead to discomfort and pain in the legs. The blood vessels in the legs are responsible to carry blood to and from the lower extremities.
Some lifestyle changes that can promote leg health include maintaining a healthy weight, as excess weight can put a strain on the legs and impede circulation. Regular exercise, particularly activities that target leg muscles and promote blood flow, is beneficial. Avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, wearing comfortable shoes that support the feet and promote good posture, and practicing good leg hygiene, such as elevating the legs and avoiding tight clothing, can also contribute to healthier legs.
If you experience frequent, unbearable, or long-lasting leg cramps at night, it may be a sign of peripheral artery disease (PAD) and it is advisable to see a doctor. Leg cramps that occur during rest or sleep can be a symptom of reduced blood flow to the muscles due to narrowed or blocked arteries. Seeking medical attention is important because PAD can progress and lead to complications such as poor wound healing, ulcers, and even limb-threatening conditions. A healthcare professional can evaluate your symptoms, perform diagnostic tests, and recommend appropriate treatment options to manage PAD effectively. Early diagnosis and intervention can help improve symptoms, prevent further damage, and enhance your overall quality of life.
No one likes dealing with leg pain that interferes with their sleep. With a consistent approach to prevention and treatment, you can reduce discomfort and keep aching legs from keeping you up at night. For lasting relief, you may consider wearing compression sleeves for extra support. Hopefully, these tips have helped you to find the best ways to tackle leg pain and get the restful night’s sleep that you need.
