Leg pain - Dietary and Ayurvedic treatment, home remedies

Leg pain - Dietary and Ayurvedic treatment, home remedies

Leg pain can be due to joint pain or muscle spasms. Joint pain is generally seen in arthritis, a condition that sets in as the person ages. In arthritis, the articulation of bones gradually wears down over time, causing pain when they function. This is called 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 the muscle spasms that only affect the calf muscles and that is Pindikoveshtana. From an Ayurvedic perspective, almost all pain is caused by the Vitiation of Vata Dosha. Vyana vata is flawed, especially when it comes to leg pain due to muscle cramps. This is a subdosha of Vata that controls the involuntary muscles of the body.

Pain occurs when ama accumulates in the body. Ama is the name for the toxic substances caused by improper digestion that cannot be expelled from the body. Such ama causes various problems including leg pain. Ama is built by high Agni, i.e. digestive fire, which is controlled by Pitta dosha. Therefore there is also a Pitta relationship to leg pain.

(1) Useful herbs in treating leg pain

1. Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)

Clove oil is applied as a poultice to the affected leg muscle. It immediately relieves pain, especially if it is due to muscle spasms.

2. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger has wonderful pain-relieving properties. It must 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 must be made in water and kept overnight. This helps with almost all types of muscle problems.

4. Madhuca (Madhuca indica)

Madhuca has positive effects on leg pain, especially when it is due to rheumatism. Its oil is applied locally over the affected regions.

5. Pepper (Piper nigrum)

Pepper helps dilate the superficial blood vessels, thereby aiding in proper blood circulation. It also has analgesic properties and can be used as a liniment for muscle problems.

(2) Dietary treatments for leg pain

Since improper digestion can cause leg pain, care must be taken not to eat anything that can cause digestive problems. Do not consume constipating foods. Keep your diet simple. Consume plenty of green vegetables and leafy vegetables that contain fiber. Vitamin C 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. A plantain is a food extremely rich in minerals such as potassium, magnesium and calcium. Therefore, it is extremely beneficial for proper metabolism within the leg region. Avoid coffee and chocolate if you have persistent leg pain.

The importance of adequate fluid intake cannot be overemphasized. Dehydration is a leading cause of leg pain. Drink a glass of water every waking hour to avoid dehydration.

(3) Ayurvedic treatments for leg pain

In Ayurveda there are good oils that are used externally on the affected legs. If the muscle pain came on suddenly, it is most likely cramps. In such cases, Mahanarayana tailam or Praharini tailam are applied to provide relief. If you warm the oils a little and then apply them, it will have better effects.

For internal management, Sinhanaada Guggulu is prescribed. This medication is also a mild laxative. This will also resolve any digestive issues that may arise in the system. Other commonly prescribed medicines are Laxmivilasa rasa and Pratapa Lankeshwara rasa.

(4) Home remedies for leg pain

1 If you regularly complain of pain in your legs, you can do some simple exercises 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: E.g. shorts or pajamas. Gradually lift your legs into the air as far as they can go. The heels should point upwards. Hold your legs in this extended position for about ten seconds and then bring them back down. Do this five times per session and repeat the exercise three times daily.

b) Alternatively, you can stand at an arm's length from a wall. Extend your arms and touch the wall with your open palms. Then slowly pull yourself forward (toward the wall). Feel the stretching pressure building in your legs. Hold yourself in this stretched position for about ten seconds and then release. Do this five times per session and repeat the exercise three times daily.

c) Even yoga has several leg stretching exercises that can be used with great positive effects. These exercises are Uttanpadasana, Janusandhi and Gomukhasana.

2 If the cramps occur during exercise or physical activity, take a glass of lemon water with a pinch of salt.

3 If you have leg pain in the joints due to arthritis, crush two to three cloves of garlic and add them to a glass of diluted milk. Boil it to quarter its quantity and drink it just before bed.

4 Applying a hot pack or stoking the leg with steam improves blood flow to the leg and relieves pain. Applying cold packs also helps. This reduces blood flow to the leg region and helps the muscle relax.

5 Add one part camphor to twenty parts mustard oil. Keep this in the sun until the camphor is properly dissolved into the oil. Use this oil to massage the leg daily.

6 If you suddenly get a sprain in your leg, prepare a turmeric paste with lime and salt and apply it on the affected part.

Inspired by Dr John Anne