When you are minding your own business and then suddenly you are inflicted with a leg cramp, the pain can be overwhelming and make you stop in your tracks. Leg cramps can occur for numerous reasons, but if you already have Peripheral Vascular Disease then your leg cramps may be due to your underlying condition.
Peripheral Vascular Disease is a condition that encompasses any disease or disorder of the circulatory system that occurs outside of the brain or the heart. Not every case is the same or presents the same symptoms. Some cases can cause blockages in the arteries while other cases can cause the hardening of the arteries which, in turn, causes a person to experience leg and foot cramps.
Generally, leg cramps can be caused by the decrease of blood flow in the legs and be feet. Although the muscles do not actually contract during this type of cramp, the sensation of the cramp can come about during activity and lessen with rest
The cramping is caused by the hardening and narrowing of the arteries in the body. This restricts the amount of blood that is working its way to the leg muscles and can cause pain. The muscles need more blood during activity and this is why the pain is usually onset during activities. When a person is at rest, the muscles need less blood and so the pain subsides.
Not sure if you have peripheral vascular disease? The main symptom of the disease is the tightening of the foot or leg with accompanied pain. It usually occurs during exercise and worsens with more activity. Other symptoms of peripheral vascular disease are tingling, numbness, cold skin, hair loss and abnormal toenail growth. Sometimes the feet will turn very pale when lowered, but color will improve when elevated.
If you have cramping sensations in your legs and feet, it may be due to peripheral vascular disease. In order to diagnose this condition, it is important to see a podiatrist. Call Joseph Stuto, DPM of Brooklyn, New York. There Dr. Joseph A. Stuto and Joseph C. Stuto can help you get to the bottom of your foot and leg cramps. Call 718-624-7537and make an appointment today.