How Varicose Veins Can Influence Leg Cramps
Experiencing a leg cramp once in a while is not a matter to worry, but if you often experience the same, you might have varicose veins. Most people think that the long bulging and twisted veins in the calves or thighs are the varicose veins. But the varicose veins are something different. Initially, the symptoms of varicose veins might include itching, aching and of course leg cramps.
Why Do You Experience Leg Cramps in Varicose Veins?
When you are at your regular activities, your body contracts certain muscles, like, the muscles in your legs and feet. Since this contracting work continues in a routine motion, you don’t notice them when you are at work. When you don’t work or when you don’t perform any physical activity, the muscle should also relax. But, sometimes, this muscle relaxation does not happen to some people. It continues its motion. This inability to relaxation can lead to the leg cramps.
The role of our calf muscle is to circulate the blood from the feet to the thigh and back the heart. Varicose veins happen when blood circulation gets compromised. In this case, the blood starts pooling instead of flowing. Due to insufficient blood flow, the leg muscles cannot reach the full state of relaxation, which makes them more prone to cramping.
The early symptoms of varicose veins include swollen ankles or feet, burning or throbbing sensation, discoloration of the skin in the lower leg and leg fatigue. The symptoms might be triggered by some specific factors including standing for a longer period of time.
Are Varicose Veins Always Responsible for the Leg Cramps?
This is true that varicose veins influence the leg cramps, but there are a few additional reasons that may cause cramps frequently. Dehydration is one of the most common reasons for leg cramps. This is because if the fluid intake in your body becomes less, the body balance gets disrupted and cramps occur.
Some Interesting Factors about Leg Cramps:
- You can experience leg cramps mostly on your calf muscles
- The cramps last for just a few minutes but the pain can last up to 24 hours
- The pregnant women and the aged people are mostly affected by the leg cramps
- Apart from varicose veins, some of the common reasons for leg cramps include flat feet, dehydration, alcohol abuse and some medications.
Treatment for Leg Cramps
If you are experiencing a leg cramp, an OTC painkiller can help. However, in case of a leg cramp, home remedies can help greatly. If you are experiencing a leg cramp
- Stop the activity that is responsible for the cramp
- Stretch and massage the muscle
- Stretch the leg and hold it until the cramps disappear
- Apply hit to the tight and tensed muscles
- Apply cold packs on tender muscle
Prevention is always better than cure. So, stay away from the factors that might cause leg cramps. Do regular exercise to improve your blood circulation. Drink sufficient water and maintain your body balance. Stay healthy, stay protected.