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How can you care for your leg pain?
- Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
- Take any other medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
- Rest your leg while you have pain, and avoid standing for long periods of time.
- Prop up your leg at or above the level of your heart when possible.
- Make sure you are eating a balanced diet that is rich in calcium, potassium, and magnesium, especially if you are pregnant.
- If directed by your doctor, put ice or a cold pack on the area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
- Your leg may be in a splint, a brace, or an elastic bandage, and you may have crutches to help you walk. Follow your doctor's directions about how long to wear supports and how to use the crutches.
Leg pain: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You have sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, or you cough up blood.
- Your leg is cool or pale or changes color.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have increasing or severe pain.
- Your leg suddenly feels weak and you cannot move it.
- You have signs of a blood clot, such as:
- Pain in your calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
- Redness and swelling in your leg or groin.
- You have signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the sore area.
- Pus draining from a place on your leg.
- A fever.
- You cannot bear weight on your leg.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not get better as expected.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.