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Yoga For Leg Pain And It's Health Benefits

Last Updated: May 20, 2024

Benefits of yoga for leg pain

Leg pain can be caused due to various reasons ranging from being injured to various conditions that can lead to pain in the legs. People suffering from the problem of leg pain usually pop over the counter pain killer pills. These painkiller pills have side effects associated with them which can impact the overall health of a person. The most promising, natural and side effect free solution to the problem of leg pain is yoga. There are several studies which substantiate the use of yoga in leg pain.

There are several asanas in yoga that can help in alleviating the leg pain. Practicing yoga stretches the muscles of the legs thereby increasing their flexibility and improving the strength of the knees, ankles, and thighs. The blood circulation in the legs also gets improved through yoga. The improved blood circulation through yoga supplies fresh oxygenated blood to various parts of the legs which in turn boosts the health of the tendons, ligaments, bones, joints, and muscles of the leg. Neuromuscular coordination also gets improved by practicing yoga. Given below are some of the asanas that help in the alleviation of leg pain.

Yoga asanas for leg pain

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Pranayama

This is a yoga posture that can treat almost any disorder. By allowing you to release the stress, this asana has the power to improve your leg pain as well. You need to sit upright on a mat, with your legs crossed. Then curl in the index finger and the middle finger of your right hand till they touch the inside of your palm. Now, using the right thumb hold your right nostril and inhale deeply through your left nostril. The exhalation is done through your right nostril, which is done after your press the left nostril using your ring finger. Remember according to yogis, we should give back to nature more than we take. Therefore, while inhaling count till 4, but while exhaling count till 8. Repeat the process 4 times to get the best result over time.
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Shoulder Stand

Lie flat on a mat. Relax and lift your legs till they become airborne. Your legs and your torso should make a right angle. Keep your body aligned and using the support of your hands which are placed behind your hips, lift your torso so that the only part of your body that remains in touch with the floor is your head and shoulders. Hold the position for at least ten seconds. While you bring down your legs, make sure that you do not do so with a jerk. Gradually curl in your lower legs so that they touch your inner thighs, release the hands from behind your hips and flatten your legs on the mat.
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Seated Forward Bend

This is an easy to follow yoga routine. You simply need to sit on the mat and stretch your legs in front of you. Keep your knees straight and bend forward. Try to grab your toes with your hands. In case you cannot reach your toes, hold your ankles. This posture strengthens the muscles around your legs, and helps alleviate pain.

Conclusion

A healthy diet is necessary for the wellbeing of an individual. People suffering from leg pain should eat certain foods which help in lowering the inflammation. A balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin d, antioxidants like vitamin c, bioflavonoids, and carotenes. Omega-3 fatty acids should be followed. The vegetable oils can be replaced by an extra virgin olive oil as it comprises of oleocanthal which works like ibuprofen.

One of the most important nutrients for bones is calcium. A body cannot absorb calcium without vitamin D. Thus deficiency of Vitamin D can also cause pain in the leg. Dairy products like low-fat milk should be consumed. Use of spices like ginger and turmeric can be advantageous as they are known to be great anti-inflammatory agents. Green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale also help in reducing inflammation. If a person is taking medical treatment for leg pain, then he/she must take his/her medicines regularly as advised by the doctor.

References

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    Written ByDr. Atindra Nath Bagchi Diploma in CardiologyGeneral Physician
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    Reviewed ByDr. Bhupindera Jaswant SinghMD - Consultant PhysicianGeneral Physician
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