Will exercises help the pain in my legs?
Senior Consultant Physiotherapist,
BARC,
Mumbai
Q: I have pain in my legs from top to bottom. I feel the pain mostly when I am sitting or taking rest. There is pain in the calf muscles. The strange thing is that the pain occurs in both the legs at the same position. If the pain is in the right thigh muscle; the same occurs in the left thigh muscle as well. I have consulted an orthopaedician, neurophysician, vascular and accupressure treatment but didn't get any relief. I also got x-rays done and tests for diabetes, blood test, blood flow checkup, blood pressure, etc but everything is fine. I work for long hours sometimes continuously at night. Sleeping time varies. I had sleep disorders earlier but now I am fine. I have joined dance classes and during that phase I don't feel the pain.
A:You will feel better with exercises. As you yourself have noticed less pain after dancing. Following exercises will benefit you:1] Stand on toes for 10 seconds and on heels for 10 seconds, alternately.2] While at work place, take five minutes break every 2 hours. Stretch yourself and take a small walk around.3] At home you can try the following exercisesa) Lie on your back, pull both ankles towards you and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat 5-10 times.b) Lie on your tummy. Bend your knees to half, move your ankles up and down. Repeat 5-10 times.c) While sleeping keep a small towel under your calf muscles.For more exercises, consult a physiotherapist in your area.