Leg Pain Treatment in London
Treatment
Leg pain treatment at London Wellness
Pain in the legs can feel like a dull ache, cramping, burning or a sharp stabbing pain. It can come from the muscles, tendons and joints of the leg itself, or travel down from a problem in the lower back.
Our chiropractors and physiotherapists find where your leg pain is really coming from, then treat the cause. Getting the right diagnosis early can stop the pain getting worse and speed up your recovery.
What causes aching legs?
Common causes include overuse and muscle strain, tendon problems, joint wear and tear, and nerve irritation from the lower back. Pain that comes from the back is often felt in the buttock, thigh or calf, and may come with tingling or numbness.
How is leg pain treated?
Treatment depends on the cause. It may combine chiropractic adjustments, deep tissue massage to loosen tight muscles, and exercises to restore strength and movement. We may start with massage to release areas that have tightened up to protect an injury.
When is leg pain a sign of something serious?
Seek urgent medical help through your GP, NHS 111 or A&E if a leg is suddenly swollen, red, warm and painful, as this can be a sign of a blood clot, or if leg pain comes with chest pain or breathlessness.
Leg pain that starts in the back
A lot of the leg pain we see is caused by irritation of the nerves in the lower back. Sciatica is the best-known example: pain that runs from the buttock down the back of the leg, sometimes to the foot. A bulging or herniated disc can cause similar symptoms.
Your clinician will test how your back, hips and legs move and check your reflexes and sensation, so the treatment targets the right area.
How physiotherapy and massage help leg pain
Leg pain often needs more than one kind of care. Physiotherapy rebuilds strength and control in the hips, knees and ankles, which takes load off sore muscles and tendons and helps stop the pain returning when you get back to walking, running or the gym.
Deep tissue and sports massage releases tight calves, hamstrings and hip muscles that can pull on the joints and irritate nerves. Because our chiropractors, physiotherapists and massage therapists work in the same clinic, your plan can combine them, for example chiropractic care for a stiff lower back alongside massage for tight leg muscles.
We also look at how you stand, walk and train. Small changes to footwear, posture at your desk or training volume are often what keeps leg pain away for good.
Shin, calf and tendon pain
Runners and gym-goers often come to us with shin pain, tight calves or tendon pain around the ankle. These usually respond well to a mix of hands-on treatment, load management and strengthening. For stubborn tendon problems, shockwave therapy may also help. See our sports injury page for more.
Self-care for aching legs
While you wait for your appointment, these can help:
- Keep active with gentle walking rather than resting completely
- Stretch your calves, hamstrings and hip flexors gently each day
- Use heat for tight, aching muscles and ice for a fresh, swollen injury
- Reduce running or high-impact exercise until the pain settles
- Wear supportive footwear, especially if you stand or walk a lot
Your first leg pain appointment
At your first visit we take a detailed history and examine your back, hips, legs and feet, including your reflexes and sensation, to work out where the pain is coming from. A chiropractic assessment takes 60 minutes (£95) and follow-up treatment around 15 minutes (£65). Physiotherapy assessments last 45 minutes. See our price list.
Leg pain FAQs
Can a chiropractor help with leg pain?
Yes, particularly when the pain comes from the lower back or pelvis. Chiropractors assess the spine, hips and legs together to find the source of the pain.
Do I need a scan before treatment?
Most people do not. Your clinician will assess you and refer you for further tests if anything suggests you need them.
Why do my legs ache at night?
Night-time leg aches can come from tired or tight muscles, nerve irritation from the lower back, or circulation problems. If the ache is persistent, an assessment will help pin down the cause, and we will refer you to your GP if needed.
Can tight hips cause leg pain?
Yes. Tight hip muscles can pull on the pelvis and lower back and irritate nearby nerves. Read about the muscles of the hip.
Where can I get leg pain treated in London?
We treat leg pain at our Canary Wharf clinic and our Monument clinic in the City of London.