Why Do My Leg Muscles Cramp So Often?

In most cases leg cramps are usually harmless and resolve without issue. Sometimes they’re a sign of compromised blood flow to the legs. If you experience frequent leg cramps, it’s wise to have a vascular evaluation.

Leg cramps can be painful and frustrating, and when they occur regularly they can disrupt your day and negatively impact your quality of life. While occasional cramps may simply be a nuisance, frequent or severe cramps may point to an underlying health issue related to blood flow. The providers at Carolina Heart & Leg Center specialize in diagnosing and treating these conditions to help you regain comfort and improve vascular health.

The connection between leg cramps and vascular health

The health of your legs is closely tied to the health of your heart and blood vessels. Conditions such as peripheral artery disease (PAD) and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) can impair blood flow to and from your legs, leading to cramps and discomfort.

PAD occurs when the arteries that supply blood to your legs become narrowed or blocked due to atherosclerosis -- a buildup of fatty deposits (plaque), in the artery walls. This reduced blood flow can cause your legs to feel crampy and heavy pain, especially during physical activity, or at the end of the day.

CVI happens when valves in the legs are weak or damaged, making it difficult for blood to return to the heart. This can cause blood to pool in the veins, leading to varicose veins, swelling, and leg cramps. Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that often appear on the skin’s surface, and they can contribute to discomfort and muscle cramping.

The role of Carolina Heart & Leg Center

Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for conditions affecting your heart and blood vessels, with a focus on improving your leg health. Carolina Heart & Leg Center offers a range of diagnostic services to pinpoint the root cause of your leg cramps and develop a personalized treatment plan.

Carotid ultrasound is a key tool that examines blood flow and plaque buildup in the carotid arteries. This test can help identify atherosclerosis, a condition that can impact both your heart and legs. Additionally, we offer peripheral angiograms to visualize blood flow in the arteries of your legs, allowing us to detect any blockages or narrowing that could contribute to your leg cramp symptoms.

For patients with varicose veins and CVI, we offer advanced treatments such as endovenous laser therapy and sclerotherapy. These minimally invasive procedures effectively treat varicose veins by closing off the affected veins, allowing blood to reroute through healthier veins. This improves vascular health and relieves related symptoms like cramping, swelling, and discomfort, as well as enhances the appearance of your legs.

Addressing heart-related concerns

Beyond leg health, our center provides a variety of services to assess and manage heart conditions that may contribute to your symptoms. We conduct echocardiograms to evaluate the structure and function of your heart, as well as stress tests to assess how your heart works under physical exertion. For patients with coronary artery disease, which can also affect blood flow to the legs, we offer enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) therapy, a noninvasive treatment designed to improve circulation and reduce symptoms.

Take action for better health

Don’t let frequent leg cramps continue to interfere with your life. Carolina Heart & Leg Center providers can identify and treat the underlying causes, and provide you with personalized care and cutting-edge treatments. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our team is committed to helping you achieve a more active and comfortable life.