Leg pain Health Article

Prevention

To prevent claudication and nerve damage:

• Don't smoke or use tobacco.
• Limit how much alcohol you drink.
• Keep your blood sugars under good control if you have diabetes.
• Reduce other heart disease risk factors, including high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

To prevent overuse injuries, like shin splints, muscle cramps, and other causes of leg pain:

• Warm up before physical activity and cool down afterward. Be sure to stretch.
• Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, especially before, during, and after exercise.

References

Wilder RP. Overuse injuries: tendinopathies, stress fractures, compartment syndrome, and shin splints. Clin Sports Med. 2004; 23(1): 55-81, vi.

Gutt CN. Prophylaxis and treatment of deep vein thrombosis in general surgery. Am J Surg. 2005; 189(1): 14-22.

Vinik AI. Diabetic neuropathies. Med Clin North Am. 2004; 88(4): 947-999, xi.

Armitage J. The safety of statins in clinical practice. Lancet. 2007 [June 6 e-pub].