Do Varicose Veins cause you to have severe leg cramps?

While varicose veins may cause mild symptoms of discomfort, they are unlikely to produce 'leg', i.e., muscle, cramps, and certainly not to a 'severe; extent. If you are experiencing severe muscle cramping, you should consult with your primary care physician being sure to identify all of the medication you are taking.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Hi and thank you for your question.
Varicose veins is a sign among other signs and symptoms of venous reflux disease.
Venous reflux develops when the valves that keep blood flowing out of the legs and back to the heart don't function well, causing blood to pool in the legs and leading to varicose veins, pain, leg cramps, swelling, etc.
Many factors contribute to the presence of venous reflux including age, gender, family history, heavy lifting, multiple pregnancies, obesity, and prolonged standing.
As technology develops, there are newer and easier ways to not only treat existent varicose veins but also, treat underlying conditions (chronic venous insufficiency) with minimally invasive procedures instead of surgery.
An initial consultation and ultrasound scan of the legs is recommended in your case as the next step. Make sure to see a specialist board-certified in venous and lymphatic medicine.
All the best!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

If you have cramping before you are treated, it could be caused by the varicose vein and deeper vein reflux. The best way to tell is to wear a medical-grade (20-30 mmHg or higher) thigh-length hose during the day and remove at night. This ensures your blood is circulating correctly and not "pooling" in the lower legs.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Leg cramps are associated with varicose veins and also have many other causes. Treating the varicose veins MAY resolve the problem. However, there is no guarantee that treating the varicose veins will eradicate the leg cramps.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

The increased venous pressure from leaking valves in the veins can certainly lead to pain and achiness and heaviness in the legs. This is typically worse toward the end of the day and improved with rest and elevation and usually by the morning. Patients may also complain of restless legs syndrome and other unusual symptoms.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Varicose veins can cause leg cramps as well as restless legs. The current treatments have been successful in alleviating these symptoms.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

The increased venous pressure from leaking valves in the veins can certainly
lead to pain and achiness and heaviness in the legs. This is typically
worse toward the end of the day and improved with rest and elevation and
usually by the morning. Patients may complain of restless legs syndrome and
other unusual symptoms.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Varicose veins can cause leg aching, but don't usually cause the muscle spasm type leg cramps. Vein procedures would aleviate the heavy aching feeling one may have after being on one's feet all day.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Varicose veins can cause leg cramping, but so can several other conditions. It is important to determine the cause of the cramping prior to any treatments.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Leg cramps are not a common symptom of varicose veins. You may want to be screened by a vascular surgeon for arterial disease (which is not related to varicose veins).

Published on Jul 11, 2012