If you have varicose veins and you’re also experiencing leg cramps you may be wondering if there’s a connection. Well, the experts at South Austin Vein Center have the answers to your questions and the treatments that can help!
Yes! Varicose veins are a common and often overlooked cause of leg cramps and leg pain. These cramps may only last for a few seconds but can last for several minutes and often occur at night. If you’re experiencing leg cramps it’s important to recognize that they may be related to varicose veins and the disease that causes them, venous insufficiency. However, there are also other reasons for cramping in the legs including dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, over or under use, and muscle, nerve or tendon problems. So it’s important to see a specialist and determine if varicose veins are the cause of your specific leg cramps.
There are several reasons why varicose veins can cause leg cramps. We’re going to discuss some of the most important factors.
Veins have an important function in the circulation of blood. They are responsible for bringing blood in your legs back to the heart. There are valves inside of these veins that help direct the blood in the right direction. They are supposed to open to let the blood go up and close to prevent it from going backwards. When these valves don’t work like they should, blood can flow the wrong way called reflux. Having “leaky valves” will cause blood to pool which increases the pressure in the veins and can cause them to enlarge. Even though this vein enlargement may only be a small amount, it can irritate and put pressure on the nearby nerves and muscles.
Unlike arteries that bring oxygen rich blood to the muscles and other tissues in your legs, veins carry the oxygen depleted blood containing the byproducts of muscle cell activity back to the heart. Thus when venous blood pools due to leaky valves there is a buildup of toxins and byproducts in the veins which can leak into the surrounding tissues causing irritation and inflammation. This can lead to leg cramping, aching, throbbing, itching and inflammation.
Another common symptom of varicose veins is leg swelling. As mentioned before, when blood pools in veins due to dysfunctioning valves the pressure in the veins increases and fluid can leak out causing swelling. Swelling can lead to inflammation, leg heaviness, fatigue as well as leg cramping.
Along with leg cramps there are other symptoms you should look out for if you suspect or notice visible varicose veins in your legs. The most common symptoms of this condition include:
If you notice any of these issues, and you’re dealing with leg cramps on top of it, you may need treatment for your varicose veins. There are both minimally invasive treatments and lifestyle changes (regular exercise, a healthy diet, avoid prolonged standing, etc.) that can help get rid of your varicose veins and alleviate painful leg cramps. Seeking out the opinion of a qualified expert is recommended.
The first step on the path to better vein health and getting your legs feeling and looking better includes a thorough evaluation by a qualified vein expert and a venous ultrasound of your legs. Ultrasound is a harmless diagnostic tool that uses sound waves to look underneath the skin and evaluate the health of your veins. If you do need medical treatment to help address varicose veins, alleviate leg cramps, and improve blood flow, the most common options include:
By working with our doctor and staff, you can better understand the benefits of these procedures and choose the one that’s right for you.
You can also help address your painful leg cramping and varicose vein issues on your own by doing the following to improve blood flow:
Often, a combination of lifestyle changes and medical treatment is the best way to address any significant vein issues, and relieve leg cramps caused by varicose veins – in addition to other symptoms.
Dr. Di Iorio is a fellowship trained Vascular & Interventional Radiologist and Vein Specialist with over 15 years of experience in minimally invasive image guided vascular procedures. He is board certified in both Vascular & Interventional Radiology and Diagnostic Radiology and one of the first in the country to be certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. Dr. Di Iorio has personally performed over 20,000 vein treatment procedures and interpreted more than 15,000 vascular ultrasounds. He is an author, educator and frequent speaker on vein disease at national meetings. He has been awarded Fellow status by the American Vein & Lymphatic Society (AVLS) and serves on their Board of Directors.
Dr. Di Iorio is the founder of South Austin Vein Center, a comprehensive vein treatment center serving South Austin and the surrounding areas. The mission of South Austin Vein Center is to improve the quality of life of patients suffering from vein disease in a compassionate and patient-centered manner using the most advanced minimally invasive treatments. Get in touch today to start your journey towards healthy veins.
