Relief considerations for leg pain depend on the underlying condition causing the pain. Traumatic injuries may require first aid such as immobilization, splinting or surgery. Lifestyle changes such as adjusting a diet, increasing exercise and quitting smoking may help alleviate pain caused by circulatory or nerve problems.

Other options may include:

• Elevation of the leg
• Cold therapy, water therapy or heat therapy
• Support garments (hose, socks)
• Stretching following sports activities
• Manipulation therapy such as massage therapy

Certain over the counter medications may be used to help leg pain, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen, or analgesic pain medications such as acetaminophen or pain-relieving creams. Strong medications such as opioids or COX-2 inhibitors are used in severe cases. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved an antidepressant for the relief of diabetic neuropathy, and several other treatments, including anti-epileptic medications, are also used to treat this common cause of leg pain. Drugs that lower cholesterol, reduce coagulation or control blood pressure may be used treat certain types of leg pain, such as peripheral artery disease (PAD). Even aspirin has been found capable of relieving PAD through its anti-platelet clotting properties.

To treat restless leg syndrome, a common cause of leg pain, the FDA has approved one drug that was originally developed for Parkinson’s disease. Other measures that may help, according to the National Institutes of Health, are restriction of caffeine, tobacco and alcohol, supplements to correct any mineral deficiencies, massage, heat therapy, cold therapy, opioids, central nervous system depressants (benzodiazepines) and dopaminergics.

In cases where leg pain is caused by bacterial, viral, fungal or other infections, the underlying cause is treated with the appropriate medication, such as antibiotics, antivirals or antifungals. Medications such as antihistamines may be used to relieve itching (pruritus).

In some cases, corticosteroid or other injections may alleviate inflammation or sciatica pain. These procedures may be performed in the spine or leg joints. Because much of this pain originates in nerve pathways in the back, injections are given as epidurals in the lower back. A physician may use an x-ray procedure called fluoroscopy to help guide these injections. Injections can also be given in a sacroiliac or facet joint of the back.

The physician may also prescribe physical therapy. Exercises can strengthen muscles and may increase the range of motion of a strained area. Certain stimulation treatments, such as ultrasound therapy or electrical therapy, can relieve pain. A home exercise program may be developed to continue gains made in therapy. If leg pain is impeding performance of daily activities, the physician may recommend occupational therapy.

Some other alternative forms of medicine have been tried for some types of pain including acupuncture and acupressure. Each practice is based on the theory that there are key points on the body that serve as pathways.  Acupuncture involves the insertion of needles in these areas.  Multiple treatments must be performed to assess for pain relief. Acupressure involves applying pressure without use of needles. Chiropractic services also may offer short-term relief to some individuals. Individuals must check with their physician before beginning these types of programs to see if they are right for their condition.

Certain types of leg pain may require surgical resolution. Surgeons may perform angioplasty to open a blocked blood vessel. During this procedure, a small tube called a catheter is inserted through the blood vessels to the point of blockage, where an even smaller tube called a stent may be placed to keep the artery open. Grafts that bypass blocked blood vessels may also be used. For blood clots, the physician may inject thrombolytic drugs that will dissolve the blood clot.  

For joint pain, an individual may undergo arthroposcopic surgery or a total joint replacement (arthroplasty) to relieve pain and improve mobility. For neuropathy, nerve compression surgery may provide relief. In addition, spine surgery to implant a spinal cord stimulation device might reduce pain and prevent leg amputation in patients with severely impaired circulation, according to recent research.