Leg cramps are characterized by sudden muscle tightness, most commonly in the calf, foot, or thigh. They often occur at night. Nocturnal leg cramps are quite painful and cause the affected muscles to feel tight or knotted. Symptoms may last from several seconds up to several minutes. There might also be muscle soreness after the cramp goes away. Leg cramps can be caused by neurologic disorders, electrolyte imbalances, medications, or venous insufficiency.
Venous Insufficiency
Venous Insufficiency is a disfunction of the veins. Veins bring blood back to the heart. They have valves to keep blood moving in one direction. When the valves don’t close properly, blood can leak back. This can cause a backup of blood in the veins. The legs are a common place for blood to backup. This is because veins must work against gravity.
The first step to see if the cause of muscle cramps are from venous insufficiency is to get a venous ultrasound. An ultrasound will be able to identify if the veins are functioning properly. If the veins are not functioning properly, it is likely the cause of the muscle cramps.
1 in every 4 people have Venous Insufficiency, it is very common and often undiagnosed.
Treatment:
The best way to treat muscle cramps due to Venous Insufficiency is to improve blood flow and prevent pressure on the legs. Here are some conservative ways that can help manage muscle cramps:
-Wear compression socks
-Elevating your legs
-Maintain a healthy weight
-Exercise regularly
-Smoking cessation
-Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time
These measures will help prevent blood from pooling in the legs, improve blood flow and reduce discomfort and drain fluid buildup. Although affective, these measures may not be a permanent way to help with leg cramps. Heart of Dixie Vein and Vascular Center uses proven, innovative and minimally invasive techniques including radiofrequency ablation, medical adhesive endovascular closure, sclerotherapy and phlebectomy to treat the veins. These state-of-the-art treatment methods will provide you the best quality of care for treatment muscle cramps due to venous disease.
To find out more information visit us at https://heartofdixieveincenter.com/treatment-options/#radiofrequency-ablation
