Which Vitamin Is Good for Pain in the Legs?
Leg pain has a number of causes, from exercise to nerve damage caused by an injury or diabetes. It may also be the result of a condition known as restless leg syndrome -- or RLS. While leg pain caused by injury or diabetes is often irreversible, RLS and leg cramps may be caused by a lack of vitamins and nutritional deficiency. Taking certain vitamins may give you some relief, but consult your doctor first.
Vitamin B-3
Vitamin B-3 is also known as niacin and is part of the vitamin B complex. Vitamin B-3 plays an essential role in the proper circulation of blood throughout your body. The University of Maryland Medical Center indicates that inadequate blood flow throughout your legs can lead to pain. A lack of niacin in your body can also lead to restless leg syndrome, which is a condition categorized by extreme discomfort while seated or lying down. Pain can range from intense to mild. You may also experience aching, burning and itching.
- Vitamin B-3 is also known as niacin and is part of the vitamin B complex.
- A lack of niacin in your body can also lead to restless leg syndrome, which is a condition categorized by extreme discomfort while seated or lying down.
Vitamin B-12
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Vitamin B-12 is not made in the body and therefore must be taken in by way of food from animal sources or supplements. Vitamin B-12 aids in the formation of red blood cells and the maintenance of healthy nerves. A B-12 deficiency may cause painful sensations, numbness or tingling in your legs, hands or feet, according to a report from Harvard Medical School.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C -- commonly found in citrus fruits -- is often used in treating circulatory problems that can lead to leg pain and cramping. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant that can help reduce the buildup of plaque in your arteries, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Plaque buildup can reduce the flow of blood throughout your body as well as raise your risk of stroke or heart attack. Vitamin C helps keep your arteries healthy.
- Vitamin C -- commonly found in citrus fruits -- is often used in treating circulatory problems that can lead to leg pain and cramping.
Vitamin D
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Vitamin D helps build strong, healthy bones and muscles. Vitamin D can be found in foods such as milk, egg yolk, liver and fish, and your body can synthesize vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunshine. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. Low amounts of vitamin D in your body can lean to muscle pain and weakness in all parts of your body -- including your legs.
- Vitamin D helps build strong, healthy bones and muscles.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E can be used as a supplement for individuals who experience restless leg syndrome or frequent leg cramps. Vitamin E can help improve the circulation of blood throughout the legs, thus decreasing pain, cramping and discomfort. Taking vitamin E can also help to protect your tissues from damage, which can help to keep your muscles strong and healthy. Vitamin E can be found in peanuts, almonds, spinach and sunflower seeds.
- Vitamin E can be used as a supplement for individuals who experience restless leg syndrome or frequent leg cramps.
- Vitamin E can help improve the circulation of blood throughout the legs, thus decreasing pain, cramping and discomfort.
Related Articles
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin B-3
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin C
- Harvard Medical School: Vitamin B-12 Deficiency Can Be Sneaky, Harmful
- KidsHealth.org: Vitamins
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Writer Bio
Michelle Zehr started writing professionally in 2009. She has written on health, fitness, fashion, interior design, home decorating,sports and finance for several websites. Zehr possesses a Bachelor of Arts in communication from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master of Arts in professional writing from Chatham University and a graduate certificate in health promotion from California University of Pennsylvania.