Leg pains may be due to joint pain or muscle cramps. Joint pains are usually seen in arthritis, a condition that sets in as a person advances in age. In arthritis, the joint of the bones gradually wears down over time, causing pain each time they work. This is called as Aama Vata in Ayurvedic language.
Muscle cramps usually affect the leg muscles. It is known as Khalli Vata in Ayurveda. There is a special term for muscle cramps that affect only the calf muscles, and that is Pindikoveshtana. From an Ayurvedic point of view, almost all pain is caused by the vice of vata dosha. Specifically in leg pain due to muscle cramps, the Vyana vata is vitiated. This is a sub-dosha of vata that controls the involuntary muscles of the body.
The pains occur when there is an accumulation of ama in the body. Ama is the name given to toxic materials caused by poor digestion that cannot be expelled from the body. Such a mistress causes various troubles, including pain in the legs. Ama is built due to high agni, that is, the digestive fire, which is governed by the pitta dosha. Therefore, there is also a pitta relationship with pain in the legs.
(1) Herbs useful in treating leg pain
1. Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)
Clove oil is applied to the affected leg muscle as a poultice. It provides immediate relief from pain, especially if they are due to muscle cramps.
2. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger has wonderful analgesic properties. It should be included in the daily diet if muscle pain in the legs is a chronic problem.
3. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Licorice is very effective in relieving muscle pain. An infusion of its roots in water should be prepared and kept overnight. This helps in almost all kinds of muscular problems.
4. Madhuca (Madhuca indica)
Madhuca has positive effects on leg pain, especially if it is due to rheumatism. Its oil is applied locally on the affected regions.
5. Capsicum (Piper nigrum)
The pepper helps to dilate the superficial blood vessels, which helps in proper blood circulation. It also has analgesic properties and can be used as a liniment for muscular problems.
(2) Dietary treatments for leg pain
Since poor digestion can cause leg pain, care should be taken not to eat anything that could cause digestive problems. Do not consume foods that cause constipation; keep your diet simple. Eat plenty of green vegetables and leafy vegetables that contain fiber. Vitamin C obtained from amalaki, oranges and tomatoes is also good for digestion. After every meal, make it a habit to eat a plantain instead of a high-calorie dessert like ice cream. The banana is a food extremely rich in potassium, magnesium and calcium minerals. Therefore, it is extremely beneficial for proper metabolism in the leg region. Avoid coffee and chocolate if you have persistent problems with leg pain.
The importance of the proper amount of fluids cannot be stressed enough. Dehydration is one of the main causes of leg pain. Continue to drink a glass of water every waking hour to prevent dehydration.
(3) Ayurvedic Treatments for Leg Pain
There are good oils in Ayurveda that are used for external application on the affected legs. If the muscle pains have come on suddenly, they are most likely cramps. In such cases, Mahanarayana tailam or Praharini tailam are applied to get relief. Warming the oils a bit and then applying them has better effects.
For internal administration, Sinhanaada Guggulu is prescribed. This medication is also a mild laxative. Therefore, it will also correct any digestive problems that may be in the system. Other commonly prescribed drugs are Laxmivilase rasa and Pratapa Lankashwara rasa.
(4) Home remedies for leg pain
1 If you have regular complaints of leg pain, there are some simple exercises you can do to relieve it. Some of them are described:-
a) Lie on your back on a firm bed. Wear loose clothing over your legs, such as shorts or pajamas. Gradually lift your legs into the air, as far as they will go. The heels should point towards the sky. Hold your legs in this stretched position for about ten seconds, then lower them back down. Do this five times per session and repeat the exercise three times a day.
b) Alternatively, you can stand facing a wall at arm’s length from it. Stretch your arms and touch the wall with open palms. Then slowly push yourself forward (toward the wall). Feel the stretching pressure build up in your legs. Stay in this stretched position for about ten seconds, then release. Do this five times per session and repeat the exercise three times a day.
c) Even Yoga has various leg stretching exercises that can be used to great positive effect. These exercises are Uttanpadasana, Janusandhi, and Gomukhasana.
2 If the cramps occur when performing an exercise routine or some physical activity, then drink a glass of lemon water with a pinch of salt.
3 If you have pain in the legs in the joints due to arthritis, crush two or three cloves of garlic and add them to a glass of diluted milk. Boil it up to a quarter of its quantity and drink it just before going to bed.
4 Applying a warm compress or steaming the leg helps improve circulation in the leg and relieves pain. Even applying cold compresses helps. This will reduce the blood flow in the leg region and help the muscle to relax.
5 Put one part of camphor in twenty parts of mustard oil. Keep this in the sun until such time as the camphor is properly dissolved in the oil. Use this oil to massage the leg daily.
6 If you get a sudden leg sprain, then prepare a turmeric paste with lime and salt and apply it on the affected part.
