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How to Stop Leg Cramps

At some point in their life, most people have experienced a debilitating leg cramp. These can hurt, come out of nowhere, and basically cause you to lose control of your leg while it spasms. If you have experienced multiple leg cramps on a regular basis, you may be suffering with an underlying issue that has gone undiagnosed. There are many causes of chronic leg cramps. We’ll go over some of the most frequently asked questions about leg cramps and how the team at Premier Vein and Vascular Center can help. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

ladys legs

Why Do Leg Cramps Occur?

There are many possible reasons why you may be experiencing a leg cramp. In most instances, it’s a random chance due to sitting still too long. However, there can be many underlying conditions you may not be aware of. Some of the primary causes of leg cramps include:

Arteriosclerosis

This blood vessel disorder affects the arteries directly. The condition causes plaque accumulation in your arteries, causing lactic acid to build up where lower blood flow in the legs should be taking place. This causes a claudication leg cramp, causing a muscle spasm while you are exercising.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Leg cramps can be the first sign of a circulatory disorder – chronic venous insufficiency. This condition stops the vein valves from functioning, causing blood to accumulate in the lower leg veins instead of rightfully traveling to your heart. The lactic acid and chemical accumulation in your tissues from this condition trigger leg cramps.

Nerve Compression

Nerve compression can affect sciatica leg cramps, where the muscle spasms extend from your lumbar to your legs, affecting how you walk.

Mineral Deficiency

One of the most common things people tell you if your legs are cramping is to eat a banana. This is because they’re high in potassium. Other essential minerals such as magnesium and calcium can help prevent leg cramps. If you are lacking in these minerals and experiencing chronic leg cramps, you may need to improve your diet or start taking supplements to provide your body with the minerals it needs.

How to Prevent Leg Cramps

If you have a more severe condition, it will be very difficult to fully prevent leg cramps from happening. It’s important to seek treatment at Premier Vein and Vascular Center to identify key issues and treat your leg cramps. However, if your cause is still undiagnosed or caused by an underlying condition, you can adopt a few lifestyle changes to help prevent leg cramps in the future. These include:

  • Regularly stretching your legs and muscles when you wake up
  • Massaging your legs regularly to help facilitate blood circulation
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Eat a balanced meal with essential nutrients and minerals
  • Avoid restrictive clothing or covers while sleeping
  • Avoid sitting or standing still for long periods of time
  • Regularly move around and stretch your legs with quick walks and small exercises

Common Symptoms of Leg Cramps

It’s important to consider what you’re experiencing during a leg cramp. These are some of the most common symptoms of leg cramps:

  • Pins and needles feeling in your legs
  • One or several muscles cramping for several minutes – usually just under 10 minutes
  • The muscles under your skin will contract and harden, forming a knot
  • Sharp pain that shoots throughout your legs
  • Exhaustion and weakness following cramp
  • Quick, successive leg cramps following the initial cramp

Why Choose Us?

Leg cramps are common in many people. But you may have undiagnosed underlying conditions causing your leg cramps to be chronic and worse. If you have noticed more frequent leg cramping without notice in changing your lifestyle, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with a specialist. Premier Vein and Vascular Center has over 15 years of experience helping Houston patients overcome their leg cramps and other vascular conditions. We take the time to listen to your issues and what you’re suffering with. That way, we can accurately diagnose your condition and get you the help and treatment you need to live a healthy, active life. Call us today to schedule your appointment and get the help you deserve.

Call Premier Vein and Vascular Center to Schedule Your Appointment Today!