Muscle Cramping | Physicians Vein Clinics Physicians Vein Clinics

Leg cramps are sudden, painful, and involuntary contractions of one or more muscles, most commonly affecting the legs. These cramps can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes and are often referred to as charley horses.

For many people, leg cramps disrupt sleep, interfere with daily activities, and reduce overall quality of life. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, up to 60 percent of adults experience leg cramps, with prevalence increasing with age and affecting approximately one in three people over 60 and half of those over 80.

While leg cramps are generally harmless, they can leave the affected muscles sore or tender and temporarily limit movement. If you experience frequent leg cramps, defined as three or more episodes per week, it may be a sign of an underlying vein condition and should be evaluated by a specialist.

Symptoms of Leg Cramps

Leg cramps most often affect the calf muscle, which spans the back of each leg from the ankle to the knee.

Patients describe muscle spasms as sudden, clenched and sharp pain. You might also feel or see a hard lump of muscle tissue under the skin.

Nocturnal leg cramps can be painful enough to wake one up in the middle of the night.

Leg cramps can be severely uncomfortable or even unbearable. Most of the time, the muscle relaxes in 10 minutes, but the sore and hurt can last for hours or till the next day.

What Causes Leg Cramps?

Common causes of leg cramps include:

Pregnancy
Intense exercises
Dehydration
Side effect of medication
Age. Older people are more likely to get leg cramps due to the loss of muscle mass.

Most leg cramps are harmless, but they may indicate an underlying medical condition of venous insufficiency or a circulatory disorder.

When to See a Vein Doctor

Muscle cramps are merely an uncomfortable inconvenience, but you should consult a vein specialist if your cramps:

Cause frequent and severe discomfort
Associated with other leg symptoms including leg heaviness, leg swelling, skin discoloration.
Occur 3 or more times a week
Happen for no obvious reason

Treatment for Leg Cramps

You can relieve muscle cramps with home remedies such as:

Rubbing or massaging the area until the pain subsides
Stretching
Staying hydrated
Straightening or elevating your legs before going to bed

We recommend you consult a vein specialist for medical advice if your leg cramps are happening frequently and affecting your quality of life.

Diagnosis for Early Vein Symptoms

At our vein centers, we offer a free vein screening for every patient. Our experts will assess your symptoms, examine your legs and perform a free screening to determine whether vascular disease is the cause. If your leg cramps are not associated with vascular disease, our board-certified vein doctors would provide suggestions on how to manage your lifestyle (diet, weight, exercise) to manage muscle fatigue and prevent muscle spasms.

What is Vascular Disease?

Venous insufficiency affects about 80 million Americans. The symptoms of vein disease include varicose veins, spider veins, deep vein thrombosis and other vein-related problems.

It’s important that you receive diagnosis and treatment at the earliest stage. Venous issues can worsen over time and cause significant damage to the skin and may pose a life-threatening issue.

Our vein clinics offer minimally invasive treatments for all types and symptoms of vein diseases. Treatment will vary depending on the severity and nature of the disease. Procedures include Sclerotherapy, Ambulatory Phlebectomy, and Varithena.

Find a Clinic Near You

Frequent leg cramps can be more than just a nuisance, especially when they disrupt sleep or daily activities. If you are experiencing ongoing muscle cramping in your legs, a free screening with one of our vein specialists can help identify whether an underlying vein condition may be contributing to your symptoms. At Physicians Vein Clinics, we use advanced diagnostic tools and a patient-centered approach to recommend appropriate treatment options. Schedule your free screening today and take the first step toward lasting relief.

Request a Free Screening Call 888-782-8346