Can intense leg pain be a symptom of Covid-19? An expert answers

Covid-19 and its variant Omicron has spread its web far and wide. An increasing number of people are getting down with the virus, even for the second or third time, and despite being vaccinated. The only silver lining is that most people are also recovering quickly. While experiencing fever, cold, cough, loss of taste and smell, aches and pain, chest pain, sore throat, and headache, are some of the most common symptoms of Covid-19 that people report, did you know that experiencing sharp and intense leg pain is also a sign of the deadly coronavirus?

This may seem like a very unusual symptom, but it has been reported by many people infected with the virus.

So can Covid-19 really cause leg pain?

“Leg pain is a lesser-known symptom of Covid-19 that may be seen due to bone and joint pain after the infection. There is no evidence or any particular data available about it. However, suffering from acute pain in your legs can be a symptom of Covid-19 along with fever and other symptoms. The common symptoms of Covid-19 are fever, cough, sore throat, and body pain. Leg pain is a rare occurrence reported by people,” says Dr Tushau Prasad, Consultant Emergency Medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, Mumbai.

Nevertheless, Dr Prasad says Covid-19 causes ache or pain in muscles and joints. This pain can be really excruciating and debilitating which can interfere with the quality of life of the sufferer. That’s why it’s really important you take it seriously and take steps in order to manage the pain. Fortunately, there are ways to get rid of the leg pain.

Tips to reduce leg or muscle pain during and post Covid-19:

1. Rest enough

If you have leg pain and you’re unable to bend or straighten knee joints, you need to be careful and take rest. Do not do any strenuous activities like any intense workout or anything that can further aggravate your pain.

2. Elevation can do the trick

Because your legs are most likely lacking elevation, this can damage your leg health. However, you can use pillows and elevate your legs because this can help you get rid of the pain by reducing the swelling, better blood flow and relieving the muscle, says Dr Prasad.

3. Apply an ice pack

Using an ice pack can prevent swelling, inflammation and reduce the pain by numbing the affected area. However, if that does not work, don’t continue this.

4. Massage

Did you know why massage is considered so good for your health? Well, a gentle leg massage can help you ease the pain, relieve sore and tired muscles, making you feel better. Do not do it harshly as doing so can cause pain.

5. Stretching

Stretching regularly has a number of benefits for your overall health, including treating your leg pain. Dr Sharad says, “This can help you tackle leg pain by decreasing the muscles soreness. So follow the light stretching exercises.”

6. Medication

You can take medicines only prescribed by the doctor.

7. Epsom salt

When taken orally, Epsom salt can remove body toxins that may cause irritation, inflammation, and body pain in future. To get rid of the leg pain, soak your feet in the Epsom salt water. This will surely make you feel relaxed.

Give these tips a try!