Leg cramps are a common affliction, particularly for those over the age of 50.
That sudden pain can wake you up from even the deepest sleep, forcing you out of bed to stretch or massage the muscle until the pain subsides. Leg cramps are not usually a serious medical condition on their own, but they can indicate a condition like a vein disorder has developed. We understand the causes of this condition including causes and treatment options to help you manage the pain more effectively.
Leg cramps can be due to a number of factors, including:
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Dehydration
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Long periods of sitting
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Deficiencies of nutrients like magnesium or potassium
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Some types of medications
Leg cramps can also be due to an underlying medical condition like an under-active thyroid or even kidney disease. For this reason, it is a good idea to see your doctor if you experience cramping regularly or if you develop other symptoms in addition to the leg cramps. If you determine that your leg cramps are due to any of the above, you can often reduce the cramping episodes by drinking more water, getting more exercise, stopping medications or boning up on your essential nutrients.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
Another common cause of leg cramps is a venous disorder known as chronic venous insufficiency or CVI. This condition develops when the veins of the lower legs stop working properly, allowing blood to pool inside of them. This leads to swelling and weakening of the vessel and subsequently the appearance of varicose veins in some sufferers.
Leg pain and cramping is a frequent symptom of CVI. Other symptoms include leg fatigue, particularly at the end of the day. You might also notice bulging veins develop on your lower leg or changes to your skin’s color and texture. If you have any of these symptoms in addition to your leg cramps, it is best to see a vein specialist for an accurate diagnosis of your condition and your treatment options.
Preventing Leg Cramps
If leg cramps are getting in the way of your sleep, there are a few steps you can take to reduce their occurrence, no matter what their cause might be. These steps include:
- Drinking plenty of water prior to bed to avoid dehydration
- Gentle stretching of the calf muscles
- Taking a warm bath to relax the muscles before bedtime Using a heating pad to reduce muscle tightness or ice to reduce inflammation
- Using a pillow to elevate your legs, if you sleep on your back
- Untucking blankets from the lower half of your bed
- Wearing shoes during the day that offer the right amount of foot support
Treatment Options
While these steps will help reduce the occurrence of leg cramps, they will not do much to eliminate the underlying condition that led to the cramping in the first place. If you determine your leg cramps are caused by CVI, there are treatments for your condition that can relieve those uncomfortable symptoms like cramping. These treatments can also eliminate the unsightly appearance of spider and varicose veins that commonly form with this condition.
At Vein Specialists of the Carolinas, we offer different treatments for veins, depending on the size and depths of your affected veins. Our treatments are all performed on an outpatient basis and do not involve much discomfort or downtime. Patients often experience relief from uncomfortable symptoms almost immediately following their procedures.
Don’t let leg cramps get in the way of your daily life. Contact Vein Specialists of the Carolinas at 704-544-5245 or 704-861-2072 to find out which of our treatments is the right one for you.
“All We Do Is Veins, All Day Every Day.”