How to treat pain when stretching the legs

Jun 04, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I never had much pain during my previous physical training except at the beginning. Now, however, I feel significant pain when doing leg stretches. May I ask how to treat pain during stretching exercises?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Xu Shuai
When experiencing pain during leg stretching exercises, it is important to identify the underlying cause, which may be related to conditions such as muscle strain, muscle pull, or lumbar disc herniation. Treatments vary depending on the specific cause and include the following: 1. Rest and adjustment: If the pain is caused by muscle strain or pull, stop stretching immediately to prevent further injury. Avoid strenuous activities in the short term to allow the muscles adequate rest and recovery. 2. Physical therapy: For muscle strain or pull, local heat application, massage, and other physical therapies can help improve blood circulation, relieve muscle tension, and accelerate recovery. 3. Medication: If the pain is severe, topical medications such as diclofenac diethylamine gel or ibuprofen may be used under medical guidance to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. 4. Identify the cause and treat accordingly: If pain is accompanied by other discomforts, it may be related to conditions such as lumbar disc herniation. In such cases, seek medical attention promptly to determine the exact cause and receive appropriate treatment.