Are leg cramps and chronic venous diseases linked?

What is a leg cramp?¹

Nocturnal or night leg cramps are sudden, jerky, involuntary muscle contractions that occur at night, often involving the calf or foot muscles. The cramps can be quite painful and cause the muscle to ache over the next few days.

The painful cramps may suddenly awaken one from sleep. Although the cramps usually affect the calf or foot, they may also occur in the thighs or arms. During cramp, the involved muscle can be firm or hard and may be tender. The joints or limbs may be forced into unusual positions. The foot may forcefully point downwards with the toes curled. It may last for a few seconds or up to several minutes before spontaneously going away on its own or with forceful stretching. The muscle may feel tender, making it hard to go back to sleep, and the soreness may last for a few hours or even a few days.

Most adults have experienced at least one episode of leg cramps. About one-third of people over the age of 50 have nocturnal leg cramps, but they may also occur during the day.

Understanding the link between leg cramps and chronic venous disease.^2-3

Chronic venous disease is a common pathology of the circulatory system, with significant physical and psychological impacts for patients. The signs of chronic venous disease in the legs are variable, and include spider veins, varicose veins, edema, or skin changes such as eczema and hyperpigmentation. In more severe cases, skin or venous ulceration can also be present.

Symptoms of chronic venous disease include various degrees and forms of leg discomfort, such as pain or aching, swelling, heaviness, burning, and cramps. Indeed, leg cramps occurring at night are a common symptom of venous disease. fact, they may constitute the second most common symptom in people with venous disease with a prevalence of 14.3%. In particular, varicose veins and underlying venous insufficiency are a common cause of night cramps, or leg cramps occurring at night. They most frequently affect the upper legs, causing cramping in the thigh but may cause calf cramping.

Healthy veins collect the de-oxygenated blood from the tissues. The venous blood, which is low in oxygen and high in waste products, is returned to the heart and lungs where it is replenished with oxygen and nutrients. In diseased veins, the blood circulates poorly, allowing blood to pool and become stagnant. The exact mechanism that causes cramping in the legs is uncertain, but when the cramping is caused by poorly functioning veins, the symptoms are often alleviated by correcting the underlying problem. Indeed, conservative measures, such as elevating the legs, walking regularly, and wearing compression stockings may reduce the frequency of night cramps.

If you experience symptoms of chronic venous disease, it is important not to hesitate to consult your healthcare professional to get a proper diagnose and treatment.