WHAT CAN LEG CRAMPS BE A SIGN OF?
We all know it is warming up outside and you still have those pesky leg cramps that you thought were just because of the winter weather! Or you have tried talking to your doctor and have got nowhere after being seen for leg cramp solutions! You could benefit from our vein clinic here in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Alpha Vein Clinic!
Leg cramps are one of the most common symptoms of vein disease. Vein related cramps may have more than one leading factor. The understanding of the venous circulation and the changes that occur with vein disease shine light on this problem. Healthy veins collect the blood from the cells where oxygen and nutrients are extracted and carbon dioxide and waste products collected. The venous blood which is low in oxygen and high in waste products is returned to the heart and lungs and vital organs via the veins where it is replenished with oxygen and nutrients.
Leg Cramps With Exercise:
Leg Cramps that occur with exercise are more likely to be associated with a more serious condition. If your muscles cramp with walking for a short time and recover with rest this may indicate vein disease. Minimally invasive testing is available to detect vein blockages. Exercise, smoking cessation and venous reconstruction may be necessary for this condition known as venous disease.
Healthy circulation relies on walking with pressure of the foot on the floor (foot pump) and contraction of the calf muscle (calf pump) to pump the blood up the veins. As the blood is propelled up the veins, one way check valves open and close directing blood up the leg veins and preventing it from falling back down. If the check valves are broken the venous blood refluxes back down the veins. This pooling of venous blood is a source of the symptoms of vein disease including leg cramps.
It is possible to suffer with venous reflux and leg cramps and have no noticeable varicose veins or spider veins. The symptoms of venous disease range from none at all to obvious leg cramps, leg swelling, tired, achy legs, skin changes in color and texture, bleeding varicose veins, leg ulcers to bulging and spider veins. It is no wonder that vein disease is underdiagnosed and undertreated!
The bottom line is, if you have leg cramps you may have undiagnosed vein disease or vein reflux. The diagnosis is made by seeing a vein doctor or a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of vein disease. A simple and noninvasive duplex ultrasound can detect reflux.
The treatment of vein disease can be controlled with exercise, elevation of your legs, healthy weight management, and wearing medical grade compression hose (If prescribed by Doctor). Though these measures may help with your symptoms the chronic changes of vein disease are progressive. To correct the underlying vein reflux and varicose and spider veins, minimally invasive procedures such as VenaSeal procedure, RFA and Clarivein are now readily available here at the Alpha Vein Clinic Las Vegas.
Leg cramps at night or at rest are usually related to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). A leg cramp is the involuntary tightening of the calf and surrounding muscles, sometimes including muscles in the foot. The sensation is usually described as sharp pain lasting anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes. Residual pain may linger in the area of the cramp for hours after the affected muscles first cramped.
Women over the age of 50 or Individuals who spend long lengths of time on their feet are at a greater risk for developing chronic venous insufficiency. A family history of (CVI), obesity, or a particularly idle lifestyle may also increase risk.
Leg Cramps Treatment:
For immediate relief, individuals can try gently stretching and massaging the affected muscles. Compression stockings or elevating the feet several times a day for 15 to 30 minutes may be prescribed for some patients to help drain pooling blood and improve circulation.
Ultimately, the chronic venous insufficiency condition must be addressed and underlying condition that is the cause of the problem treated. There are a few minimally invasive but highly effective forms of treatment for (CVI).
If you experience leg cramps at night or during the day and believe they may be related to (CVI), schedule a consultation today at the Alpha Vein Clinic Las Vegas to learn more about the treatments available to you. Call us now at (702) 430 7661. We are here to make your life easier and take away your leg pain.
Alpha Vein Clinic
3150 N. Tenaya Way Ste. 400
Las Vegas, NV, 89128
(702) 430 7661
Dr. Sassan Kaveh
You Can Now Call Us 24/7