Legs take us where we need to go, and they are a body
part that we depend on. We assume they will do the job they are intended to
do. Sometimes however there can be a problem, and when a leg is out of commission, a body is out
of commission.
Restless Leg Syndrome
Nothing is worse than being exhausted and lying down in
your comfortable bed, ready to close your eyes as soon as your head hits the
pillow. You put your head on the pillow,
and then it hits, you must move your legs. So, you can try to ignore it, but there is no way. For 10 minutes you lay there, trying not to
move, trying to ignore that feeling that you must move your legs. Eventually you get up, and pace until the
feeling subsides. This can make you feel
like a walking zombie, you can be so tired, yet your legs will not allow a
peaceful rest.
There are medications, and for me at least, it helps
90%, so be receptive to taking medication when necessary. Warm baths and heating pads can sometimes create
a restful feeling as well, do whatever works for you that will help, each case
of restless leg syndrome is different.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis of the knee is a very painful
condition. It causes intense pain, and
can make knees stiff and difficult to move or bend. Depending on the severity of the condition,
the following steps should be implemented-
-
Taking an over the counter anti-inflammatory
medication can help with pain and swelling. Taking the medication prior to the start of the pain can often eliminate
the discomfort.
-
Ice packs to reduce swelling can also offer
a temporary solution and ease pain.
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See an orthopedic doctor for a cortisone
injection. While the shots are not
pleasant, afterword’s it usually eliminates some of the pain for a couple
months at least.
-
When the pain becomes a way of life, and
chronic, it may be time to consider a knee replacement, a physician will
discuss this option.
Veins
This condition can be uncomfortable and unsightly. This can also lead to infections and other
medical complications. Maintaining a
healthy weight can help this problem, as well as eating a healthy diet. If this problem cannot be controlled, a
doctor can do an outpatient procedure to eliminate the veins.
Blood Clot
This condition can be, not only serious, but
fatal. Blood clots can originate from
numerous factors, and risks should be discussed with a physician that
specialized in this field. Some known
risk factors for blood clots include-
-
Taking birth control pills, especially
after age 35 raises your risks of developing a blood clot. If you do take birth control pills, opt for
the lowest dosage you and your doctor are safe using. Always weigh the risks with the benefits in these
types of cases.
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Anyone confined to bed for a prolonged
period of time runs a very high risk of blood clots developing. Follow surgeries or anything that causes you
to be confined to bed, be sure to become mobile as soon as possible.
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Maintaining proper weight can also help
reduce the risk of blood clots.
Consuming a healthy diet can help the body in many other ways as well.
-
If you are at a high risk for developing
blood clots, one low dose aspirin a day can increase the likelihood that no
clot will develop. Always speak with
your primary care physician on the safety of taking aspirin.
As a nurse, on your feet and legs non-stop, having leg
problems is a common scenario. Always
seek proper treatment for your particular condition. Without your legs
functioning properly, life would be very different. You must take care of them
and acknowledge any changes.
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