Do you suffer from chronic leg cramps or pain? Have leg cramps ever woken you up in the middle of the night? Minor pains and aches are sometimes disregarded. However, if you are experiencing persistent cramping, there may be a medical basis for your discomfort that should be addressed. Peripheral vascular disorders are often accompanied by leg pain. Fellowship-trained cardiologists Roy Norman, DO, and A. Adnan Aslam, MD, FACC, FSCAI, of Northwest Houston Heart Center, helps patients across Texas determine if their leg pain is associated with vascular concerns. To find out more about the reason for your leg pain in Tomball, TX schedule a consultation through mobile or book online.
What Causes Leg Cramping and Pain?
A considerable number of persons have woken up in the middle of the night with shooting pains from leg cramping. These cramps could be triggered by various circumstances, including dehydration, fatigue, electrolyte loss, a magnesium or potassium imbalance, or pharmaceutical side effects. Nonetheless, leg cramps could be induced by difficulties with venous and arterial circulation.
As you utilize your muscles throughout the day, they relax and contract. However, if you begin to experience cramps and pain when strolling a short distance that subsequently improves with rest, it may indicate vascular disease.
Luckily, the cardiologists at Northwest Houston Heart Center have advanced diagnostic procedures that can help you figure out what is causing your leg discomfort and cramping. A diagnosis will help them rule out major health concerns and develop a care plan if vascular issues are discovered. Often, these treatment alternatives are non-surgical and are undertaken right at the various clinics.
Why Should You Never Disregard Leg Pain?
Regardless of how much you wish your leg pain would eventually fade away, it is never a good idea to dismiss it. Here are some reasons why:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a life-threatening medical concern requiring immediate care. Otherwise, you risk a heart attack, stroke, or other complications.
- If Peripheral artery disease (PAD) goes unchecked, it could result in amputation once you develop a serious blockage in the artery, a condition known as critical limb ischemia.
- PAD and chronic venous insufficiency cause leg ulcers if left untreated as pressure builds up in the veins or arteries following the accumulation of fluids.
- Conditions, such as PAD, highlight an extensive development of cardiovascular illnesses. If you have this condition, you are susceptible to suffering from atherosclerosis.
What Other Symptoms Are Likely Accompanied By Leg Pain From A Vascular Condition?
Vascular illnesses affect the blood vessels and muscles within your legs in various ways. If you fail to receive treatment for your leg pain, other signs and symptoms that might manifest include:
- Loss of equilibrium
- Weakened leg strength
- Damage to skeletal muscles
- Reduced walking speed
- Ischemic peripheral neuropathy
- Rashes on your lower leg that seem like eczema
The persistent vascular disease causes a gradual but consistent deterioration in overall function and mobility.
If you would like help with your leg pain, reach out to Northwest Houston Heart Center. Call the nearest office or request an appointment online to learn more about the available treatment alternatives.
