Many men, women and children suffer from aching leg syndrome, which can disturb sleep and make you feel tired and weak.

I have seen a number of runners, sportsmen and people whose occupation involves standing for long periods of time suffer from the condition.

It also, for some reason, appears to be more common in women.

The cause of aching legs varies according to age, occupation and seasons and can be due to a medical condition. For example, children can get growing pains in their bones.

I remember my son complaining of aching legs and tiredness during puberty.

We used to massage his feet and legs almost daily with warm sesame seed oil or mahanarayan taila (Rheuma Ease oil), particularly at bedtime when it would relieve the aching and send him to sleep.

Women may suffer from the condition during the menopause when bones and muscles can ache because of hormonal imbalance or because of water retention, particularly before periods and as a part of PMT.

Rasayan Churna, a natural diuretic, can help.

Osteoporosis is a common cause in both women and men and you should see a doctor if you suffer from aching legs for a few months.

Dehydration in the hot weather is another cause. Drinking plenty of water with glucose, vitamin C and a bit of salt can relieve aching.

Standing for long periods of time can also make your legs ache and, if you have poor circulation, cause the blood to stagnate.

Poor circulation can cause cramps and varicose veins in the legs. You should see your doctor for treatment of these conditions.

To reduce the possibility of aching, avoid standing for too long. Stretch the legs by walking about from time to time and elevate the legs (unless you suffer from poor circulation).

You can do the yoga posture shoulder stand where you can support your legs against the wall while standing on your shoulders. This allows any stagnant water to flow back to the kidneys.

Leg massage using mahanarayan oil with wintergreen can be helpful. Oil of wintergreen is a source of salicilate - a natural pain killer.

However, you should not massage the legs if you have thrombosis of the leg, inflammation or ulceration.

Another very effective oil is trikatu oil - ginger, black pepper and long pepper in sesame seed oil.

Recent studies have shown these three contain natural oils which have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving actions and phenyl alanine, which helps to make you alert and lifts your mood.

Ginger, nutmeg, cardamom and black pepper tea helps to relieve aching legs and is helpful in PMT.

Our patients have also found relief with dasmool arishtha (The Ten Root Tonic). It helps relieve aching legs and revives you from fatigue.

Dr Milind Jani works as a conventional and holistic GP and Dr Asmita Jani as Ayurvedic consultant from 3 Eaton Gardens, Hove. Call them on: 01273 777448 or e-mail: milind.jani@ntlworld.com