Leg Cramping

Do you have unexplained leg cramping that wakes you up at night? The experienced team at Advanced Vascular Surgery throughout Michigan, recommends you schedule an evaluation. Leg cramping is a common symptom of circulation problems in the legs. The team offers advanced testing and treatment options. Call Advanced Vascular Surgery or schedule your leg cramping consultation online today. 

What is leg cramping?

Leg cramping is a painful involuntary muscle contraction, which may last seconds or minutes. The cramping may occur in the foot, calf, or thigh. 

Though painful, leg cramping is harmless in most cases. However, if you have ongoing leg cramping that affects your quality of life, the team at Advanced Vascular Surgery recommends scheduling an evaluation. Leg cramping is a common symptom of circulation problems that affect the arteries and veins in the legs.

What causes leg cramping?

Leg cramping may occur from many causes, like exercise, dehydration, or a medication side effect. Some of the vascular and venous conditions that cause leg cramping include:

Peripheral artery disease (PAD)

PAD occurs from a buildup of plaque along the walls of the peripheral arteries, causing the passageway to narrow or become blocked. 

Varicose veins

Varicose veins occur when you have damage to the superficial veins, allowing blood to flow backward and pool. Varicose veins don’t always cause problems but are a symptom of circulation issues that may affect blood flow in the legs. 

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

A DVT is a blood clot in a deep vein in the leg. 

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)

CVI is a chronic circulation problem that affects the veins in the legs. With CVI, your veins cannot pump blood back to the heart and lungs. The blood pools in the veins in the legs, causing swelling, pain, and cramping.

What happens during an evaluation for leg cramping?

The team at Advanced Vascular Surgery conducts a thorough evaluation when you come in with concerns about leg cramping. They review your symptoms, medical history, and examine your legs.

Advanced Vascular Surgery is a state-of-the-art practice with advanced diagnostic tools that help them accurately diagnose the cause of your leg cramping. The team may have you undergo a vascular ultrasound so they can examine your blood vessels and confirm or rule out a diagnosis.

What are the treatments for leg cramping?

Treatment for leg cramping depends on the cause. The team at Advanced Vascular Surgery spends time talking to you about their findings and your treatment options. Treatment for leg cramping may include:

• Lifestyle changes
• Wearing compression stockings
• Disease-specific medication
• In-office procedures
• Surgery

The board-certified vascular surgeons at Advanced Vascular Surgery use the latest tools and technology when performing procedures to treat the underlying cause of your leg cramping.

Find out what’s causing your leg cramping by calling Advanced Vascular Surgery or booking an appointment online today.