Jacksonville’s St. Johns Vein Center sees patients experiencing leg cramps every day. Leg pains and cramps can have multiple causes, but those caused by varicose veins may have very specific traits, Jacksonville specialist Dr. James St. George says.
Leg Cramps
Leg pains and cramps can be caused by the swelling and inflammation of an injured muscle; poorly controlled diabetes; disease of the arteries; sciatic nerve conditions; blood clots; arthritis; dehydration; electrolyte imbalance, etc. But if the source of your pain is varicose veins, you may experience the following:
- Achiness or heaviness in the leg that worsens toward the end of the day and eases with rest and elevation
- Cramping or “Charlie horse” in the feet or calves
- Swelling of the calves or ankles that also worsens toward the end of the day
- Restless leg syndrome, a frequent urge to move one or both of your legs to alleviate discomfort
The most obvious sign of varicose veins is the blue-hued bulging of the blood vessels visible just under the surface of the skin. But this isn’t always the case. Often, varicose veins bulge inward rather than outward toward the skin’s surface. Thus, they’re less visible, though still painful. Visible signs of varicose veins may also be obscured by swelling in the calves.
So are those leg cramps varicose veins? They could potentially be, it’s best to get a professional opinion.
If you think your frequent leg cramps and pains may be caused by varicose veins, call 877-640-VEIN (8346) and schedule a consultation at the St. Johns Vein Center. Dr. St. George will be able to confirm whether you’re suffering from varicose veins and start you on immediate, effective treatment.
