Varicose Veins and Muscle (Leg) Cramps
Explore solutions and understand the connection with varicose veins and muscle (leg) cramps in the calves. Find ways to alleviate discomfort and enhance leg health for a more comfortable, active lifestyle.
Introduction to Muscle (Leg) Cramps and Varicose Veins
Many people suffer muscle cramps in their legs from time to time. It is common for cramps to occur in the calf of one’s legs. It is also common for varicose veins to appear in the calves of one’s legs. Many sufferers experience muscle cramps in their legs during the night, and women are particularly vulnerable to becoming victims of leg cramps.
Unnderstading Muscle Cramps
So, what is it that causes muscle cramps to occur in the first place? This is something that people often want to know so they can attempt to take action to correct anything that could potentially be causing their leg cramps in the first place. John Hopkins Medicine explains how venous insufficiency can lead to this problem:
Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when your leg veins don’t allow blood to flow back up to your heart. Normally, the valves in your veins make sure that blood flows toward your heart. But when these valves don’t work well, blood can also flow backwards. This can cause blood to collect (pool) in your legs.
As the blood continues to pool in your legs, you may experience leg cramps as a result. Some of these cramps may be more severe than others, but they are all undesirable.
Muscle Cramps as a Symptom of Varicose Veins
One might have varicose veins when the valves inside of the vein are not working properly. The blood may then pool in the legs as it has nowhere else to go. The vein walls are likely stretched out and worn out. This can cause pain in the surrounding nerves and muscles. This may lead to muscle spasms or cramps. The pressure of the pooled blood can cause all of this, and pooled blood is likely to occur in areas of the body where one has varicose veins.
Treatment Options for Varicose Veins and Muscle (Leg) Cramps
The good news is that if you suffer from varicose veins and muscle cramps, you do not have to suffer forever. The Mayo Clinic offers some treatment options for those who are seeking relief from muscle cramps and other symptoms of varicose veins. Their suggestions include:
- Compression Stockings – One of the first treatment options that one can try is to wear compression stockings on a regular basis. The stockings are designed to compress the legs and improve blood flow. The level of compression that one experiences will vary from brand to brand. Examine your options carefully before settling on any particular type of compression stocking.
- Laser Treatment – There are surgical treatment options such as laser treatment that might be necessary for those who suffer severe leg cramps. The laser treatment options send bursts of light into the veins. It is a non-invasive surgical option that many people prefer to try as one of their first treatment options.
- Sclerotherapy – A doctor injects the veins with a solution that closes the varicose veins. After some period of time, those varicose veins should disappear entirely. This is an option for someone who has faced some serious hurdles related to their varicose veins.
Speak with your doctor directly about which treatment options are appropriate for you. This can vary from patient to patient, and you should listen to what your doctor recommends for you.
Can You Prevent Leg Cramps?
Completely avoiding all leg cramps at all times in your life might be an impossibility. However, there are measures that you can take to reduce the frequency with which you experience leg cramps.
- Drink plenty of fluids, particularly water
- Stretch your muscles and exercise regularly
- Regular monitoring with your doctor to ensure you are staying safe
- It is up to you to take the steps necessary to reduce and/or eliminate your issues with leg cramps.
Speak With Us at Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic for Muscle Cramps
We can help you here at the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic to address your issues with leg cramps. We see patients all the time who have leg cramp issues. Let us help you get the assistance you need to stay out of pain and live the life you want to live. Please contact us to arrange an appointment and begin the process of finding relief from leg cramps.
Am I at Risk of Varicose Veins, Spider Veins, or Deep Vein Thrombosis?
The appearance of varicose and spider veins on your body is nothing of immediate concern. If there are symptoms associated with them, schedule a visit with your doctor to diagnose and treat varicose veins. Spider veins, varicose veins, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can occur on individuals with all body types, genders, and ages. The following demographics may have a higher chance of experiencing them.
- Those who are overweight (therefore, maintain a healthy weight to reduce the pressure)
- Pregnant women
- Females
- Individuals between the ages of 40 and 80
- Those who are inactive/not exercising (even sitting or standing for long periods)
- Smoker
- Frequent flyers
- Those who have had surgery or leg trauma
Varicose veins specialist, Dr. Manish Taneja, offers comprehensive care for varicose veins patients at Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic in Singapore.
Assessment of Varicose Veins
Clinical examination and ultrasound doppler scan are most important tools in assessment and deciding management of varicose veins. This takes about 15-20 minutes to do and is usually done in the clinic itself.
Treatment of Varicose Veins
There are various techniques available to treat varicose veins depending on clinical presentation. These include:
- Conservative medical management including compression socks
- Laser endovenous treatment (EVLT)
- Radio-frequency endovenous ablation (RFA)
- Clarivein endovenous treatment
- VenaSeal endovenous closure system
- Microwave endovenous ablation
- Open surgery
- Venous avulsions
- Sclerotherapy
- Cryolaser and cryosclerotherapy
What are the Advantages of Minimally Invasive Treatments?
- No major surgery
- No or minimal visible scars
- Quick recovery
- Same day admission and discharge
- Clinic based treatments
Learn more about “Spider Veins: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment”. Although they might be a cosmetic concern, they can also lead to serious health issues. You might also be interested to find out more on our blog post, “Deep Vein Thrombosis: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment” about the difference between DVT and varicose veins.
Consult a Vascular Specialist for Your Varicose Veins and Spider Veins
Dr. Manish Taneja, a certified vascular and varicose veins specialist in Singapore, has extensive experience in the treatment of all vascular interventions and looks after venous diseases like varicose veins, spider veins, and reticular veins. Come in for a further evaluation and contact us to arrange your varicose veins appointment today.
Varicose Veins Resources
Explore our varicose veins and spider veins resources for patients. Gain insight into the diagnosis and treatment of varicose and spider veins conditions, their underlying causes, symptoms, and complications. Connect with your vascular health.
Keep Varicose Veins and Spider Veins at Bay
If your legs feel sore persistently, achy when standing long periods, or maybe you notice blue or purple veins even bulging in the area, chances are these symptoms of varicose veins and spider veins could lead to other serious venous diseases such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI), or Leg Swelling due to increased pressure forming larger blood clots over time. Varicose veins are fully treatable with minimally invasive procedures and treatments offering minimal downtime and quick recovery preventing further complications. Long term effects of untreated varicose veins can hinder your daily life and impact your health.
The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic in Singapore is here to diagnose and treat varicose veins smoothening patients’ experience to find relief and comfort. As a vascular and interventional radiology specialist based in Singapore, Dr. Manish Taneja looks after a spectrum of venous diseases, peripheral vascular malformations, and peripheral arterial disease. Dr. Manish Taneja also has extensive experience in performing all vascular interventions, non-vascular interventions and interventional oncology procedures.
Other Health Conditions
The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic is your “go-to” facility for various conditions and treatments. To arrange an appointment with Dr. Manish Taneja, our varicose veins specialist, contact us. You can also call us at (+65) 6904 8084 for a consultation.