Can Varicose Veins Cause Leg Cramps?
Cramps happen when the muscles suddenly get tight, which can be extremely painful. Varicose veins often cause leg cramps, especially at night. This happens because veins send toxin-rich blood back to the heart, but if they’re not working properly, this low-oxygen blood pools inside the veins, making muscles prone to cramps. Nevertheless, you should visit a doctor to find out what’s causing them.
Other causes
Arterial diseases, thyroid issues, injuries, dehydration, not stretching after exercising, magnesium or potassium deficiency.
Venous diseases
People with venous insufficiency and/or varicose veins are more likely to have cramps.
Potential Causes of Leg Cramps
Venous diseases
Like varicose veins, leg cramps can be one of the symptoms of venous insufficiency, especially when they happen in the calves.
Arterial disease
If you usually suffer leg cramps while walking, and the sensation fades after resting, it may be due to poor circulation.
Muscle injury
Leg cramps can occur during physical activity. If that’s your case, you should visit a specialist.
How To Treat Leg Cramps
You should visit a doctor to determine what’s causing your leg cramps. In our vein centers, our doctors often treat leg cramps in patients with varicose veins using non-invasive treatments like laser therapy. This procedure uses heat from a laser to close damaged veins, making the blood flow through healthier veins instead.
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Facts About Leg Cramps
Varicose veins
According to research, 67% of people with varicose veins experience leg cramps. Most times they happen in the calves.
Treatment
If there’s an underlying condition, leg cramps are easily treatable. When they’re being caused by a vein disease, cramps usually disappear after treating it.
Age
Leg cramps get more common as you age. About 60% of adults have occasional muscle cramps.
FAQ About Leg Cramps and Laser Therapy
How can I alleviate leg cramps at home?
If leg cramps are frequent, you should visit a specialist who can identify the cause and prevent a serious health problem. You can find the help you need in our vein treatment centers.
In the meantime, you can try:
- Elevating your legs for 15 minutes every day.
- Exercising regularly.
- Stretching after exercising.
- Staying hydrated.
- Using compression stockings.
How can I treat leg cramps?
One of our vein doctors can evaluate you to find out if there’s a serious problem causing your symptoms. Then, they’ll recommend a specific treatment plan for your needs.
If your leg cramps are being caused by venous issues, your doctor may recommend you one of our vein treatments, such as:
- Laser therapy: uses laser energy to heat and close damaged veins.
- Radiofrequency vein ablation: similar to laser therapy, uses radiofrequency energy instead.
- Sclerotherapy: consists of reducing veins by injecting medication into the veins.
- Vein removal: removes affected portions of the veins.
What can I expect from laser therapy?
Laser therapy is a minimally invasive procedure. It’s one of the least painful treatments and has a short recovery time. While you may feel some discomfort, you can continue to do your everyday activities after the procedure.
How effective is laser therapy?
Laser therapy is about 94% effective.
However, you should remember that relief doesn’t happen overnight, and the results depend on each individual.
How is laser therapy performed?
First, a laser fiber is passed on through a catheter into the vein. While the procedure is being performed, one of our specialists will view the vein on an ultrasound machine.
What are the aftercare instructions for laser therapy?
Laser therapy is a minimally invasive and outpatient procedure. The aftercare requirements are simple:
- Don’t perform high-intensity physical activities.
- Use sunscreen on the treated area.
- Elevate your legs 6 inches above your heart for 15 minutes.
- Follow all the instructions provided by your vein specialist.
