How to relieve sore leg muscles naturally and effectively?

Muscle soreness is a very common muscle condition that usually appears after an intense sports session.

It causes pain of varying intensity that lasts between two and five days. Although harmless, soreness in the lower limbs can become disabling and limit the patient's movements.

In this article, we show you the best treatments for relieving sore leg muscles. Also find out how Bluetens can help you reduce the symptoms of muscle soreness with electrostimulation.

Sore leg muscles: symptoms and causes

Sore leg muscles are relatively easy to recognise. The symptoms are easy to identify and there are few causes.

Symptoms of sore leg muscles

The symptoms of sore leg muscles may include:

• Leg pain that usually appears 24 to 48 hours after physical exertion,
• Reduced range of motion,
• A feeling of stiffness,
• Increased pain on palpation,
• Loss of power and greater susceptibility to fatigue in the affected muscles,
• Slight swelling and hardening of the leg muscles,
• The need to loosen up before moving freely again after a longer or shorter period of rest,
• Etc.

Muscle soreness is harmless and disappears on its own after two to five days. If the symptoms persist, it is important to see a doctor to identify the exact cause and get an appropriate treatment plan.

Causes of sore leg muscles

Sore leg muscles are usually caused by physical activity that puts heavy or unusual strain on the muscles. Micro-lesions form in the muscle fibres, which triggers an inflammatory reaction in the body.

Certain infections, such as flu or a cold, can also cause muscle aches.

Treatment and prevention: what to do about sore leg muscles?

Here are a few natural treatments to relieve sore leg muscles and prevent them from occurring.

Rest

It is essential to observe a period of rest so that the affected muscles can recover fully. Ideally, avoid physical activities that put heavy strain on the lower limbs.

However, gentle physical activity is recommended to benefit from active recovery. Walking, swimming and yoga are excellent options for people with sore leg muscles.

These low-impact sports help the body eliminate toxins and waste by improving blood circulation.

Massage

Massage is ideal for gently relaxing the affected muscles and relieving sore legs. Although it is better to be massaged by a professional, you can massage your legs yourself or with the help of a loved one.

To get the full benefits of massage, it is recommended to make circular and back-and-forth movements over the painful muscles.

It is also advisable to start the massage at the ankles and work your way up gradually to the thighs. Working from bottom to top helps promote blood circulation.

Lifestyle: diet, hydration and sleep

A healthy lifestyle is essential for good physical and mental health, and also for preventing sore leg muscles.

Here are a few everyday tips:

• Warm up before significant physical exertion and stretch afterwards,
• Get enough sleep at regular times,
• Eat healthily, making sure you provide all the nutrients your body needs,
• Do regular physical activity to keep your muscles strong and resilient,
• Stay well hydrated before, during and after physical exertion,
• Etc.

Electrostimulation

Electrostimulation is a natural process used to trigger muscle contractions with low-intensity electrical impulses. These impulses are generated by a portable device and transmitted to the muscles through electrodes placed on the skin.

Completely painless, electrostimulation relaxes the affected muscles, reduces pain and improves blood circulation.

Relieving sore leg muscles with Bluetens electrostimulation programmes

Thanks to Bluetens, electrostimulation is now accessible to everyone. You can easily control your electrostimulation device with the modern, intuitive app developed by Bluetens.

In just a few seconds, you can select the ideal programme to relieve the symptoms of a specific condition you suffer from.

Here are a few Bluetens electrostimulation programmes to use to relieve sore leg muscles.

"Active recovery" programme

The “Active recovery” programme is specifically designed to improve blood flow and optimise the removal of waste after intense physical exertion. The lactic acid in the blood is eliminated more quickly than with purely passive recovery based on rest.

Many athletes use this programme the day after a competition or intensive training session, unless their effort consisted largely of so-called “eccentric” muscle work, i.e. downhill running, braking or descending efforts.

You can use this 25-minute programme up to three times a day to relieve your sore leg muscles.

To access it, go to the “Single session” section from the home page of the Bluetens app. Choose the “Relax” option and the “Thigh” or “Calf” body area as needed. Then select the “Active recovery” programme in the “Sports activities” section.

"Sports massage" programme

The “Sports massage” programme relieves muscle pain and tension when you have sore leg muscles. You can do up to three sessions a day.

To access it, go to the “Single session” section of the app, then choose the “Relax” option and the body area to target. Then select the “Sports massage” programme in the “Sports activities” section.

"Detox massage" programme

The “Detox massage” programme is a great ally for promoting muscle drainage after sport. When you have sore leg muscles, your muscles may suffer from a build-up of waste and toxins. When this build-up reaches a certain level, this internal pollution can impair the proper functioning of your body.

Lasting 27 minutes, this programme purifies your muscles so you can regain your fitness and well-being. You can do up to three sessions a day.

To access it, go to the “Single session” section, then choose the “Relax” option and the desired body area. Then select the “Detox massage” programme in the “Sports activities” section.

"Intense recovery" programme

The “Intense recovery” programme is ideal for quickly relieving muscle pain in the legs. It is specifically designed to promote muscle regeneration after intense or unusual exertion.

Beginner athletes, whose muscles are not yet very resilient, love the “Intense recovery” programme. More experienced athletes returning to sport after a long period of inactivity can also benefit from this programme.

You can do up to three 30-minute sessions a day.

To access it, go to the “Single session” section, then choose the “Relax” option and the “Thigh” or “Calf” body area. Then select the “Intense recovery” programme in the “Sports activities” section.

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