tell me! My Doctor’s Q&A ~ I’m worried about cramps while sleeping and knots in the blood vessels in my legs. What is the cause? | News Wakayama

“Respondent”
◆Surgery
Raku Clinic
Director Sadanori Fujita

Varicose veins in the lower extremities may be the cause. Varicose veins are a benign disease in which the veins in the legs bulge in a lump-like shape. The main symptoms include cramps, heaviness in the legs, swelling, pigmentation, itching, and redness, with cramps being the most common. The valves in the veins in the legs that pump blood to the heart break down, causing poor blood flow, which causes the muscles in the legs to suddenly contract abnormally at night, causing cramps.

The frequency of cramps caused by varicose veins varies from person to person, with some experiencing cramps from “several times a month” to “every day.” For people who frequently experience cramps and have knots in their blood vessels, we recommend surgery as a fundamental treatment. Surgery that previously required hospitalization can now be performed as an outpatient procedure on the same day, reducing the burden on the body. If it only happens occasionally, wearing medical elastic stockings that put pressure on your calves and stretching your legs thoroughly before bed are effective. Also, when cramps occur, taking Chinese herbal medicine (shakuyakukanzoto) is effective.

However, cramps may not be caused by varicose veins. If you have any symptoms that concern you, we recommend that you do not ignore them and seek medical attention and consult a doctor before it worsens.

(News Wakayama/Updated on April 27, 2024)