Do your legs cramp at night? Do they burn and ache after a long day on your feet? If so, these leg cramps and burning symptoms may be caused by varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency.

While occasional leg cramps happen, frequent cramping and burning may be related to a circulation issue.

Here’s what you need to know.

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that typically form on the legs. They develop when tiny valves inside the veins stop working, which leads to blood pooling and other issues.

Normally these valves keep blood flowing up and towards the heart. But when they’re weakened or not working at all, blood starts to pool inside the blood.

Over time this causes pressure on the vein wall, which causes the vein to stretch and bulge.

The Relationship Between Leg Cramps and Burning and Varicose Veins

The uncomfortable sensations associated with varicose veins are often caused by poor circulation and increased pressure.

Pooling blood in the veins irritates surrounding nerves and tissue, which can cause cramps and burning, as well as other symptoms like:

• Tingling sensation
• Aching or throbbing
• Heaviness
• Fatigue
• Swelling around the ankle

These symptoms get worse after standing or sitting for a long period of time. By the end of the day, the pressure inside the veins is at its highest, which can make discomfort even more intense.

Everyday Habits to Help Reduce Symptoms

While treatment may be needed to achieve lasting relief, there are certain lifestyle changes you can make to ease leg cramps and burnings. This includes things like:

• Wear compression stockings. Compression stockings apply gentle pressure to the legs to help blood flow more efficiently throughout the veins. They can significantly reduce discomfort and don’t require any extra effort on your part.
• Staying active. Activities like walking, cycling, and swimming help to get blood pumping back towards the heart. Even small changes like taking a short walk several times a day can make a noticeable difference.
• Elevate your legs. Raising your legs above your heart for 15 minutes a day can improve circulation and reduce swelling. Elevating your legs, especially in the evening, can relieve the heavy, burning feeling that worsens throughout the day.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight puts additional pressure on the veins, especially in the legs. Losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight can minimize symptoms by reducing strain on your circulatory system.

What Treatments Are Available?

While lifestyle adjustments can provide some relief, they rarely solve the underlying problem. If varicose veins are becoming more painful, medical treatment is the most effective option.

Fortunately there are many different safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatments that fix the root cause.

One of the go-to treatments is sclerotherapy. This procedure uses a special solution that irritates the vein walls, causing them to collapse and seal shut.

The process takes around 30 minutes.

Another option is endovenous laser therapy (EVLT). This procedure uses targeted laser therapy to seal damaged veins from the inside.

A thin fiber is inserted into the vein and once the vein is shut, blood is automatically rerouted to healthier pathways.

A third option is radiofrequency ablation. It works similarly to EVLT but uses radiofrequency energy instead of heat from laser energy.

What’s great about all of these treatments is that most patients notice an improvement in symptoms shortly after.

Don’t Ignore Your Leg Cramps and Burning in Baltimore County, Maryland

It’s all too easy to brush off leg cramps and burning as normal fatigue. But, if symptoms persist or worsen over time, they may be caused by a circulation issue.

Not only are varicose veins common, they’re highly treatable. Get the relief you need with safe, modern treatments at The Vein Center of Maryland for screening.

Contact us online or try us on the phone today by calling 410-970-2314 to schedule an appointment.