Leg cramps can be a harrowing experience and often occur when you least expect it, usually at night. In many cases, leg cramps are only a temporary issue and can be prevented. But there are also some causes of leg cramps that are very serious and require medical treatment.
While several factors can lead to experiencing leg cramps, it is also essential to note that these cramps can sometimes occur with no explanation. Muscle fatigue is often one of the leading causes of pain. Fatigue can be even more substantial when you are out in hot weather or are not staying hydrated. Therefore some activities may make you more prone to having leg cramps than other people. These can include recreational running, weight training of the legs, and participating in many sports that require you to run a lot, such as basketball or soccer.
Pregnancy and several other medical conditions can cause you to experience mild to severe leg cramps. The added pressure on the lower extremities caused by carrying the baby often causes stress to the leg muscles and veins. That will regularly contribute to leg pain and cramping.
If you have a history of any of the following medical conditions and are experiencing leg cramps without knowing the cause, you should consult with one of our physicians.
Several medication types that can contribute to leg cramps. If you regularly take these medicines, check to see if muscle cramps are one of the main side effects.
Some leg cramps occur for no reason. These are known as idiopathic cramps. Secondary cramps are those that are linked to another health condition. While the leading cause for idiopathic cramps is debatable, there are a few possible causes which include
Nocturnal leg cramps often occur when you are asleep or not very active. They can wake you up at night and make it much harder for you to fall asleep because they leave your leg muscles feeling sore. The frequency of the leg cramps depends on the person. They may happen weekly or nightly, or may even occur yearly for some individuals. Nighttime leg cramps can occur regardless of age. It is estimated that 33% of all people over the age of 60 experience a leg cramp at night at least once every couple of months. And nearly all adults who are over the age of 50 will experience them at least once. The duration of leg cramps can also vary from one person to the next. Some may only last a few seconds, while others may experience the pain for several minutes.
Some of the possible causes of nocturnal leg cramps include the following:
Also, women who are pregnant may experience more nighttime leg cramps and experience them during the day.
If you live in Concord, Alameda, Berkeley, or the surrounding cities and would like more information about help with leg cramps and pain, BASS Vein Center has got the answer. We are here to help you find the cause of your leg cramps. Get in touch with us today to discuss the treatment options we have available. We look forward to helping you find relief from your pain.
"I highly recommend the BASS Vein Center, even if you must travel to see them. The staff at BASS show great concern, and spend ample time getting to know their patients as a person as well as their medical history. They provided an excellent treatment plan to help guarantee that I’d receive the best possible care!"
Read More ReviewsVein surgery can be life changing for many people and a huge boost of confidence, let's get you scheduled for a consultation.