CHARLEY HORSES CAN MEAN TROUBLE!

Leg Cramps and Charley Horses, causes and treatments:

Although, there are many reasons for leg cramps, by far, the most interesting and common reason is Venous Insufficiency (Venous Reflux).

Venous insufficiency:

is a progressive medical condition in which the valves that allow the blood to travel from the legs to the heart no longer function. This can cause blood to pool in the legs causing veins to swell. The incorrect blood flow (or reflux) causes the blood to seep into the tissues and can cause cramps in the legs. These cramps are often described as a spasm or Charley Horses and mostly  they can occur at nights.

Patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) of the lower extremities can often present itself  with complaints of leg pain, fatigue or ache, swelling, restless legs, and varicose or spider veins, in addition to the leg cramps . In more advanced cases, skin discoloration (Stasis Dermatitis) and skin hardening (fibrosis and panniculitis) as well as dreadful ulcerations (Venous Ulcers) may develop.

What are the causes of Leg Cramps?

Although Venous Insufficiency is the most missed diagnosis the other cause of leg cramps includes electrolyte imbalance (like potassium and calcium), muscle fatigue for exercise, neuropathy, pregnancy and other rare medical conditions. Ironically, most medical practitioners are not trained in Venous Insufficiency and its treatment so they more than likely look for these more less common causes.

How is it diagnosed?

A simple blood test can detect any potential electrolyte imbalance. To detect Venous Insufficiency, a specialized venous ultrasound is necessary which is most often performed only in centers that do the treatment.

Duplex ultrasound evaluation of these patients usually reveals significant reflux in the greater and lesser saphenous veins, and may involve several accessory veins, tributaries and perforator veins.

Here at the Alpha Vein Clinic we will first get a thorough history and examine your legs. The confirmation of the diagnosis requires a specialized ultrasound of your legs that we will do in our Las Vegas Alpha Vein Clinic .

How are Leg Cramps treated?

There are two different methods available to treat Leg Cramps! If we can treat the venous insufficiency, then the symptom that happens because of that will disappear. Here at Alpha Vein Clinic we offer two different methods. The VenaSeal and The Clarivein Occlusion. They are both treatable through simple in-office and only minimally invasive procedures. They are both performed under local anesthesia and are well covered by most insurance companies. Early treatment is crucial to prevent further complications like venous stasis. Since the valves in the legs cannot be repaired, the only alternative is to reroute the blood flow from the diseased veins to healthy veins. Traditionally, this has been done by surgically removing (stripping) the troublesome vein from your leg. The VenaSeal procedure or the Clarivein , however, provides a less invasive alternative to vein stripping by simply closing the diseased vein. Once the diseased vein is closed, it remains harmless in the body.

A common misconception is that the leg cramping is caused by abnormal potassium, sodium or calcium, when in fact, all are normal and treatment to replenish these electrolytes yields no results.

If you have leg cramps, it is best to see a medical professional sooner than later. Dr. Sassan Kaveh at the Alpha Vein Clinic specializes in leg cramp treatments and can evaluate your symptoms to determine if your cramps are in fact due to (CVI). Dr. Kaveh can diagnose and treat your leg cramps conveniently in a comfortable office setting with the most minimally invasive treatments if needed. Call the Alpha Vein Clinic today and come in to see our compassionate staff for an examination and consultation. Treating the vein disease in your legs can finally rid you of your leg cramps. Your legs will thank you for it!

Alpha Vein Clinic

Vein Clinic Las Vegas

3150 N. Tenaya Way Ste. 400

Las Vegas, NV, 89128

(702) 430 7661

Dr. Sassan Kaveh

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