Many people suffer from leg aches and pains, and lots of us rely on painkillers for relief. But are drugs always the best way to relieve your symptoms?

We explore the pros and cons of painkillers and look at how drug-free alternatives like the Revitive® Circulation Booster® can help leg aches and pains.

What’s causing my leg aches and pains?

Often, pain is acute and will pass in time - when an injury heals, for example. But when pain becomes a part of daily life, it could indicate an underlying condition such as arthritis, diabetes, or Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD).

Chronic pain can prove difficult to treat, as painkillers can have serious side effects when taken long-term. So, it makes sense to check out drug-free alternatives if you’re looking for treatment which is entirely natural, or if you’re looking to reduce your reliance on pain killers.

Should I take painkillers?

Painkillers can be effective in relieving acute pain, but it’s important to choose one that’s safe for you. And when it comes to chronic pain, the options are more limited. The most common forms of painkiller are:

Opioids
Opioids are a highly effective at relieving severe or chronic pain. Weak opioids, such as codeine, can be bought over-the-counter, while strong opioids like morphine are available on prescription only. Opioids are controlled drugs that should be treated with caution and are not suitable for long-term use unless under medical supervision. They can result in tolerance, dependence and addiction. It is not recommended to take over-the-counter opioids for more than three days without medical advice.
NSAIDs
Oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen are effective in relieving mild to moderate pain and reducing inflammation. However, they have many potential side effects - including gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney damage and cardiovascular problems - and are not suitable for everyone, especially when used long-term. NSAIDs can also cause adverse reactions with other commonly prescribed medications. They should be used with caution, especially if you have an existing cardiovascular condition such as high blood pressure or are taking other prescribed medications.
Topical NSAIDs
Topical NSAIDs in the form of gels, patches, sprays or foams are applied directly to the painful area, which can make them a safer option, as levels of the drug are lower overall. However, it’s not recommended to use topical NSAIDs for longer than 14 days without medical advice.
Aspirin
Although aspirin is technically a NSAID, it is considered a safer option for people suffering from cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure. Doctors sometimes prescribe low-dose aspirin to people at risk of heart attack or stroke, because it can help stop blood clots forming. But aspirin can have side effects including indigestion, stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding and can cause adverse reactions with widely prescribed drugs, especially at higher doses and when used long term.
Paracetamol
Paracetamol is the world’s most widely used painkiller and generally considered safe. Side effects are rare, but overdoses can be dangerous and result in liver failure. Some recent studies have shown paracetamol to be no more effective than a placebo in treating some chronic pain conditions. Overall, studies suggest that paracetamol is a safer option than NSAIDs, but less effective at relieving chronic pain.

Always consult a healthcare professional for expert advice when deciding on the best medicated pain relief for you, or if you are thinking of reducing your prescribed medication.

Are there drug-free alternative ways to relieve pain?

If you live with chronic pain, it makes sense to look at drug-free relief and also lifestyle changes to manage your pain levels:

Revitive Circulation Booster:
Using Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS), the Revitive devices cause the calves to contract, pumping blood back the heart and lungs. This in turn drives nutrient-rich, oxygenated blood to the legs and feet, helping to bring relief from the symptoms of poor leg circulation, such as legs aches and pains, swelling and cramps.
Exercise
Evidence shows that physical activity can reduce the severity of pain, build strength and improve quality of life. Studies have shown exercise to be helpful in pain conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, low back pain, peripheral neuropathy and pain associated with PAD.
Heat and cold therapy
Applying heat or cold to affected areas can ease pain flare-ups. Apply heat pads or hot water bottles (with hot, not boiling, water) to the affected area for 10 - 15 minutes to relieve pain. Ice packs or cold compresses can reduce both pain and swelling - apply for no longer than 20 minutes at a time.

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