Leg Cramping

Many people associate leg cramping with running and playing sports. However, it can also indicate an underlying health problem, like poor circulation. At Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, the vascular surgeons and wound care specialists provide safe, minimally invasive care for leg cramps. Whether your cramps are caused by venous insufficiency or peripheral artery disease, the team can help. Call the office in McAllen or Rio Grande City, Texas, to schedule treatment for leg cramping, or book your appointment online today.

What is leg cramping?

Leg cramping is your leg muscles involuntarily contracting. This can cause intense pain. If you’ve ever had a “charley horse,” you’ve experienced leg cramping. These cramps can occur in any part of your leg — the calves, thighs, and feet.

Most leg cramps last several seconds to a few minutes. They usually aren’t something to worry about. However, if they occur frequently, it could point to an underlying health problem like poor circulation.

Does leg cramping present symptoms?

Leg cramping symptoms include:

• Sudden, intense pain in your leg muscles
• Muscle tightness
• Pain or tenderness that can last for several hours after a cramp
• Stiffness in the feet and toes
• Difficulty standing and walking

Make an appointment at Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, if your leg cramps happen frequently or become unbearable. The team can identify the underlying cause and personalize a treatment plan.

How is leg cramping diagnosed?

Your Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including what the cramps feel like, where they occur, and if some activities, like exercise, trigger them.

Your provider also asks about your lifestyle and whether you take supplements or prescription medication. Answer honestly and provide as much information as possible.

Your provider examines your legs and feet and orders lab tests, including blood work and urinalysis. If they suspect a circulatory problem like venous insufficiency, they’ll order a venous ultrasound to assess your circulation.

How is leg cramping treated?

The Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, team takes an integrative, minimally invasive approach to treating leg cramping. They could suggest:

• Stretching your legs regularly to promote circulation
• Massaging your legs to reduce stiffness and muscle tension
• Walking and exercising regularly to increase blood flow to your lower body
• Alternating heat and ice therapy
• Taking anti-inflammatory medication
• Elevating your legs

If your cramps are caused by an underlying health problem like venous insufficiency or diabetes, the team could prescribe medication to prevent these problems from getting worse. If varicose veins are causing your cramps, they could recommend a minimally invasive vein removal procedure.

Call the nearest Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, office to schedule treatment for leg cramps, or book your appointment online today.