Leg pain

For some causes of leg pain, physical therapy may be recommended by your doctor. If you have a blocked artery, inserting a balloon catheter into the artery to improve blood flow may be advised.

Prevention:

To prevent claudication and nerve damage:

Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Limit how much alcohol you drink.
Keep your blood sugars under good control if you have diabetes.
Reduce other heart disease risk factors, including high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

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To prevent overuse injuries, like shin splints, muscle cramps, and other causes of leg pain:

Warm up before physical activity and cool down afterward. Be sure to stretch.
Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, especially before, during, and after exercise.

References:

Wilder RP. Overuse injuries: tendinopathies, stress fractures, compartment syndrome, and shin splints. Clin Sports Med. 2004; 23(1): 55-81, vi.

Gutt CN. Prophylaxis and treatment of deep vein thrombosis in general surgery. Am J Surg. 2005; 189(1): 14-22.

Vinik AI. Diabetic neuropathies. Med Clin North Am. 2004; 88(4): 947-999, xi.