Leg cramps and pain in the area between the hips and ankles is a common complaint. There are many causes of leg pain including: inflammatory, orthopedic, neurologic, and vascular. This is very, very common in runners, since running tends to exercise the calf muscles more than those in the front.

Causes of Leg pain can be due to a muscle cramp. Common causes of cramps include :

? Muscle fatigue or strain from overuse, too much exercise, or holding a muscle in the same position for a long time

? Dehydration or low amounts of potassium, sodium, calcium, or magnesium in the blood

? Diuretics, which can cause you to lose too much fluid or minerals

? A torn or overstretched muscle

? Inflamed tendon

? pain in the front of your leg related to overuse or repetitive pounding

? Hairline crack in the bone (stress fracture)

? Blood clot from prolonged bed rest

? Atherosclerosis (plaque buildup) that blocks blood flow in the arteries

? Inflammation of the leg joints by arthritis or gout

? Nerve damage -- common in diabetics, smokers, and alcoholics (symptoms include numbness , tingling, or a sensation of pins-and-needles)

? Slipped capital femoral epiphysis -- usually seen in boys and overweight children between 11 and 15 years old, this refers to a separation of the ball of the hip joint from the thigh bone. It causes pain and growth abnormalities.

? Legg-Calve-Perthes disease -- poor blood flow to the hip that may stop or slow the normal growth of the leg. This condition usually affects boys between 4 and 10 years old.

? Benign tumors or cysts of the femur or tibia (osteoid ostioma).

? Sciatic nerve pain (radiating pain down the leg) caused by a slipped disk in the back.

Home Remedies for leg Pain

*Massage the affected areas with a little lobelia.

*To improve the general weakness of the body a well-balanced diet including all the three basic food groups is recommended.

*Eating 3-4 walnuts with an empty stomach in the morning provided relief from leg pain in a short duration.

*Use a warm towel or heating pad to alleviate pain or tenderness following a cramp.

*Drink 15 grams of fresh bathu juice daily with an empty stomach without adding any salt or sugar to it.

*Massage the affected area with any oil will to provide relief from the pain.

*Drink a cup of papaya seed tea six or seven times daily for two or three weeks for relief from joint pain.

*Heavy meals, meat and fish, sour fruits and fried foods should be avoided, as they are difficult to digest.