Leg injuries are a common occurrence for individuals of all ages. Depending on the nature of the injury and one’s overall level of health, different treatment approaches can be utilized. Surgery is not always needed, and conservative methods may be more advantageous. You may be able to naturally recover from an injury by following a few simple tips.
- Visit a Massage Therapist
Strained muscles and impinged nerves can severely impact your mobility and quality of life. Manually manipulating tight muscles can help relieve pressure and potentially decrease pain. A massage therapist Bowling Green can use different methods to help increase range of motion and reduce inflammation. Deep tissue massage can promote healthy blood flow, while trigger point massage can eliminate muscle spasms and knots.
- Get Adequate Rest
The body needs time to heal itself after an injury. Immediately returning to an active lifestyle can not only cause more damage, but it can also lengthen the time of your recovery. Elevating your leg and regularly applying ice is a great way to reduce any swelling or pain. Meanwhile, heating pads and warm compresses can be used to loosen tight muscles and maintain flexibility. Resting your leg and keeping pressure off the injured area will allow muscle fibers and tissue to regenerate.
- Manage Pain
Your legs support the entire weight of your body when you run, walk and stand. Given that it may be difficult to avoid such activities, decreasing pain can help make your daily life easier. Medications such as Motrin, Aleve and Advil can help reduce inflammation by blocking specific chemicals in the body, while Tylenol can aid in limiting discomfort. Numbing patches and topical anti-inflammatory gels can be used to target specific areas of the body without needing to be ingested.
Not all leg injuries require surgical intervention. Remembering some key points can help your body move through the healing process.
