What are the early signs of deep vein thrombosis. How can you distinguish between normal leg cramps and those caused by DVT. What steps can be taken to prevent and treat blood clots in the legs.

Understanding Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious medical condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, typically in the legs. While blood clotting is a natural and essential process for healing injuries, unnecessary clotting can pose significant health risks. DVT can lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated.

There are two main types of dangerous blood clots:

• Thrombus: A clot that forms and remains stationary in a blood vessel, potentially growing large enough to obstruct blood flow.
• Embolus: A clot that breaks free from the vein wall and travels through the bloodstream, potentially becoming lodged in smaller vessels and causing blockages.

Both types can lead to serious health issues, including heart attacks, strokes, and pulmonary embolisms. Recognizing the early signs of DVT is crucial for timely intervention and prevention of complications.

6 Early Warning Signs of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Identifying the symptoms of DVT early on can be lifesaving. Here are six key signs to watch for:

1. Swelling in the Legs

Is swelling always a sign of DVT? Not necessarily, but it’s a common symptom. Swelling typically occurs in the affected leg, often below the knee. In some cases, the entire limb may swell. It’s important to note that swelling usually affects only one leg, not both.

2. Redness and Skin Discoloration

DVT can cause visible changes in skin color. The affected area may appear red due to inflammation of the vein containing the clot. In some cases, you might notice a long, thin area of redness following the path of the affected vein. As the condition progresses, more severe skin discoloration can occur, including hyperpigmentation and the development of dry, flaky, or itchy skin.

3. Leg Pain and Discomfort

How does DVT pain differ from regular muscle soreness? DVT-related pain is often described as a dull ache or intense throbbing sensation. Unlike a pulled muscle, which tends to improve over time, pain from DVT persists or worsens. The discomfort may increase when walking or standing for extended periods.

4. Warmth in the Affected Area

A warm sensation in the affected limb is often one of the earliest symptoms of DVT. This warmth is typically localized to the area above the blocked vein or may radiate throughout the affected leg. It’s important to note that only the affected limb will feel unusually warm, not the entire body.

5. Persistent Leg Cramps

Can leg cramps be a sign of blood clots? While not all leg cramps indicate DVT, persistent cramping that doesn’t respond to typical remedies like stretching or walking could be a warning sign. A simple test to differentiate between normal cramps and those caused by DVT is to bend the foot at the ankle, pointing the toes upward. This usually alleviates normal cramps but may intensify pain caused by a blood clot.

6. Skin Changes and Ulceration

In advanced cases of untreated DVT, more severe skin changes can occur. The high pressure in blocked veins can damage blood cells, leading to hyperpigmentation and skin irritation. In extreme cases, this can progress to the development of eczema-like symptoms and even skin ulcers in the affected area.

Risk Factors for Developing DVT

Understanding the risk factors for DVT can help individuals take preventive measures. Some common risk factors include:

• Prolonged periods of inactivity (e.g., long flights, bed rest)
• Recent surgery or injury
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Pregnancy and postpartum period
• Certain medications (e.g., birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy)
• Family history of blood clotting disorders
• Advanced age

Identifying these risk factors can help individuals and healthcare providers take appropriate precautions and implement preventive strategies.

Diagnosing Deep Vein Thrombosis

Given that many DVT symptoms can mimic other conditions, proper diagnosis is crucial. Healthcare providers typically use a combination of methods to confirm DVT:

1. Physical examination and medical history review
2. D-dimer blood test to detect blood clotting activity
3. Ultrasound imaging to visualize blood flow in the veins
4. Venography, a specialized X-ray that uses contrast dye to highlight blood vessels
5. CT or MRI scans in complex cases

Early diagnosis allows for prompt treatment, reducing the risk of complications and improving outcomes.

Treatment Options for DVT

Once diagnosed, DVT requires immediate medical attention. Treatment aims to prevent the clot from growing, reduce the risk of embolism, and alleviate symptoms. Common treatment approaches include:

Anticoagulant Medications

Anticoagulants, or blood thinners, are the primary treatment for DVT. These medications prevent existing clots from growing and new clots from forming. Common anticoagulants include heparin, warfarin, and newer direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).

Thrombolytic Therapy

In severe cases or when anticoagulants are ineffective, thrombolytic drugs may be used to dissolve the clot. These medications are typically administered in a hospital setting due to the risk of bleeding complications.

Compression Stockings

Wearing compression stockings can help reduce swelling and pain associated with DVT. These stockings apply pressure to the legs, promoting better blood flow and reducing the risk of post-thrombotic syndrome.

Surgical Interventions

In rare cases, surgical procedures may be necessary to remove or bypass the clot. These interventions are typically reserved for severe cases or when other treatments have failed.

Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis

Prevention is key in managing the risk of DVT. Here are some strategies to reduce your risk:

• Stay active and avoid prolonged periods of immobility
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Stay hydrated, especially during long trips
• Quit smoking
• Wear loose-fitting clothes when traveling
• Consider compression stockings for long flights or if you have a history of clots
• Follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding medication and lifestyle changes

For individuals at higher risk, such as those recovering from surgery or with a history of clots, additional preventive measures may be recommended by healthcare providers.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Recognizing when to seek medical help is crucial in managing DVT. Immediate medical attention is necessary if you experience:

• Sudden, severe leg pain or swelling
• Chest pain or difficulty breathing (which may indicate a pulmonary embolism)
• Unexplained warmth or redness in one leg
• Persistent leg cramps that don’t respond to typical remedies

Early intervention can prevent serious complications and improve outcomes for individuals with DVT.

The Connection Between Leg Cramps and Blood Clots

While leg cramps alone do not cause blood clots, they can be an early warning sign of DVT. It’s important to understand the difference between normal muscle cramps and those potentially related to blood clots.

Normal Leg Cramps vs. DVT-Related Cramps

Normal leg cramps:

• Often occur at night or after exercise
• Usually respond to stretching or massage
• Typically resolve within minutes
• May be related to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or overexertion

DVT-related cramps:

• Persist or worsen over time
• May be accompanied by other symptoms like swelling or warmth
• Don’t respond well to typical remedies
• Often affect only one leg

If you experience persistent, unexplained leg cramps, especially if accompanied by other DVT symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for evaluation.

Post-Thrombotic Syndrome: A Long-Term Complication of DVT

Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a chronic condition that can develop weeks or months after DVT treatment. It occurs due to damage to the veins and valves caused by the initial blood clot.

Symptoms of Post-Thrombotic Syndrome

Common symptoms of PTS include:

• Chronic swelling in the affected leg
• Persistent pain or discomfort
• Skin changes, including discoloration and ulceration
• Heaviness or fatigue in the leg
• Varicose veins

Managing PTS often involves a combination of compression therapy, elevation of the affected limb, and medications to improve blood flow and reduce symptoms.

The Role of Technology in DVT Prevention and Management

Advancements in technology are playing an increasingly important role in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of DVT.

Wearable Devices

Wearable devices that monitor activity levels and promote movement can help reduce the risk of DVT, especially for individuals who are sedentary or bedridden. Some devices even provide reminders to move or perform leg exercises regularly.

Telemedicine

Telemedicine platforms allow for remote monitoring of patients at risk for DVT, enabling healthcare providers to assess symptoms and adjust treatment plans without in-person visits. This is particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas or those with limited mobility.

Advanced Imaging Techniques

Innovations in imaging technology, such as high-resolution ultrasound and magnetic resonance venography, are improving the accuracy of DVT diagnosis and allowing for earlier detection of blood clots.

Special Considerations for DVT Risk During Travel

Long-distance travel, particularly air travel, can increase the risk of DVT due to prolonged periods of immobility. Here are some strategies to reduce your risk during travel:

• Perform simple leg exercises while seated
• Walk around the cabin or rest area when possible
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can contribute to dehydration
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing
• Consider wearing compression stockings for flights longer than 4 hours

For individuals at higher risk of DVT, consulting with a healthcare provider before long trips is advisable. They may recommend additional preventive measures or medications.

The Impact of Lifestyle Choices on DVT Risk

Various lifestyle factors can influence an individual’s risk of developing DVT. Understanding these factors can help people make informed decisions to reduce their risk:

Diet and Nutrition

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can contribute to overall cardiovascular health and potentially reduce DVT risk. Some specific dietary considerations include:

• Maintaining adequate hydration
• Consuming foods rich in vitamin K, which plays a role in blood clotting (important for those on certain anticoagulants)
• Limiting excessive salt intake, which can contribute to fluid retention and swelling

Exercise and Physical Activity

Regular physical activity is crucial in maintaining good circulation and reducing DVT risk. Beneficial activities include:

• Walking or jogging
• Swimming
• Cycling
• Yoga or gentle stretching

It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen, especially for individuals with existing health conditions.

Stress Management

Chronic stress can have negative impacts on overall health, potentially increasing the risk of cardiovascular issues including DVT. Effective stress management techniques include:

• Meditation and mindfulness practices
• Deep breathing exercises
• Regular exercise
• Adequate sleep
• Engaging in hobbies and social activities

The Future of DVT Research and Treatment

Ongoing research in the field of DVT is paving the way for improved prevention, diagnosis, and treatment options. Some promising areas of study include:

Personalized Medicine

Advancements in genetic testing and biomarker identification may allow for more tailored approaches to DVT prevention and treatment based on individual risk factors and genetic predispositions.

Novel Anticoagulants

Research into new anticoagulant medications aims to develop drugs with improved efficacy and safety profiles, potentially reducing the risk of bleeding complications associated with current treatments.

Minimally Invasive Interventions

Ongoing development of catheter-based technologies may provide less invasive options for treating DVT, potentially reducing recovery times and improving outcomes for patients with severe clots.

Artificial Intelligence in Diagnosis

The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms in medical imaging analysis may enhance the accuracy and speed of DVT diagnosis, allowing for earlier detection and intervention.

As research in these areas progresses, it holds the potential to significantly improve the prevention, diagnosis, and management of DVT, ultimately reducing the impact of this serious medical condition on individuals and healthcare systems worldwide.

6 Early Signs of DVT & What You Can Do

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You may have been hearing about blood clots lately in the news related to some COVID vaccine shot side effects. While this is rare, if you are prone to clotting or already have a blood clot, this is a dangerous side effect. Blood clots can form for a multitude of other health reasons as well. Learn how to tell if you might have the early signs of DVT or blood clotting. The Vein Centre surgeons are here to help if you live near Belle Meade, Franklin, or Mt. Juliet, TN.

What is DVT Blood Clotting?

DVT stands for deep vein thrombosis. Your body has superficial and deep vein systems, both of which could experience clotting. Blood clots are a natural body function that stops bleeding after a cut or other injury. These clots are gel-like clumps of blood particles. Platelets and fibrin, protein strands, work together to adhere to a blood vessel or artery and block blood flow in that area. Clotting is a life-saving function after an injury, but if unnecessary clotting occurs if then becomes dangerous.

Types of Blood Clots

When a clot forms inside deep veins and arteries, that is the beginning of a potentially serious health concern. When a clot forms blood vessels and stays in place, it is called a thrombus. A thrombus can cut off blood flow to organs and tissue if it grows too large. Blocked blood flow can cause heart attacks, stroke, and death. If this occurs, emergency medical care is needed quickly.

Another type of dangerous blood clot is called an embolus. An embolus is a blood clot that comes loose from the vein wall. When this blood clot breaks free, it travels through the bloodstream. As it reaches smaller vessels, it can become lodged and block flow to that area. It can travel to the lungs, heart, or brain, causing pulmonary embolism and stroke. If you are experiencing these signs of DVT below, contact your doctor immediately.

Signs of Deep Vein Thrombosis

1) Swelling in Your Legs

Swelling is possible in the exact place a blood clot has formed. In some cases, the entire extremity affected will swell up, but more commonly, the leg will is below the knee. The swelling won’t be in both your legs, only the side where there is a blood clot.

Swelling can even occur after DVT treatment. Post-thrombotic syndrome develops weeks or months after DVT and causes chronic swelling in the leg. This happens because DVT damages veins and valves, causing them to become weak. Weak veins and valves allow blood to pool in your legs resulting in pain and swelling.

2) Redness

DVT causes redness in your arms and legs because blood vessels are blocked. The red color is a result of inflammation of the vein where there are one or more blood clots and can be one of the signs of DVT. You may notice a long, thin area of redness following the affected vein.

3) Leg Pain

Blood clots cause internal pain in the veins affected. As a clot worsens, you may experience discomfort and soreness in the area. The pain can range from a dull ache to intense throbbing pain. Pain in one leg or arm and not the other is a warning sign of DVT. Discomfort often increases with walking or standing for an extended period. Many people mistake this feeling for a pulled muscle, but leg pain from DVT will not go away with time as a muscle injury does.

4) Warmth

Feeling a warm sensation is one of the first symptoms of deep vein thrombosis. Your whole body won’t feel warm, only the affected limb. Only one leg will feel warm, or you will feel warmth radiating from one limb and not the other. Sometimes, only the area right above the blocked vein will be noticeably warmer.

5) Leg Cramps

Leg cramps are a common occurrence that most of us have felt before. Regular muscle cramps will go away pretty quickly by stretching or walking. Crampy feelings in the legs that won’t go away or worsen over time are symptoms of DVT. Cramping caused by DVT needs medical attention before it becomes dangerous. One test to see if you are experiencing a normal leg cramp or one from deep vein thrombosis is to bend the foot at the ankle so that your toes are pointing upward. With a normal cramp, this should alleviate pain. In the case of a blood clot, the pain will most likely intensify.

6) Skin Discoloration

Besides just turning limbs red, DVT can cause problematic skin discoloration and symptoms. Blood clots create high-pressure areas where veins are blocked. As blood cells try and pass through the high-pressure area, the cells are often damaged and proceed to break down. Hyperpigmentation occurs, and your skin can become dry, flaky, or itchy. Advanced cases of DVT without treatment are likely to develop eczema and skin ulcers in the affected area.

How to Treat and Prevent DVT

Many of the symptoms of DVT are the same symptoms as other conditions. It is best to seek medical attention and receive screening for blood clots if you are unsure. Deep vein thrombosis blood clots are dangerous and are a medical emergency waiting to happen.

DVT is treatable in several ways, depending on the severity. If you are high risk but haven’t developed clots yet, compression stockings will prevent swelling and reduce your chances of developing blood clots.

Medications help prevent blood from clotting in the first place, and some break up blood clots. The medications Coumadin, Lovenox, and Arixtra thin your blood making it harder for clots to form. Any existing clots won’t increase in size. In more severe cases, intravenous thrombolytic drugs break up existing blood clots.

Filters are another way to protect yourself from a dislodged blood clot. A filter is put inside the vena cava, a large abdominal vein, to stop a clot from making its way to your lungs.

DVT Treatment Options

Contact a Vein Doctor

If you are experiencing leg swelling, skin discoloration, redness, cramping, warmth, and pain, you may have DVT. Give the Vein Centre in Tennessee a call at 615.269.9007. Please schedule an appointment with our board-certified vascular surgeons in Belle Meade (Nashville), Franklin (Cool Springs/Brentwood), and Mt. Juliet, TN, as soon as possible. Blood clots are dangerous, and it is better to err on the side of caution if you are experiencing signs of DVT.

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Blood clots: Symptoms may include cramps described as charley horse

Blood clots: Symptoms may include cramps described as charley horse | Express.co.uk

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Blood clotting is a life-saving mechanism that can turn deadly when it occurs inside a vein.

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British Heart Foundation: Understanding blood clots

Blood clots can form anywhere in the body, but they often form inside the arteries which block blood flow to the legs. Blood is prevented from leaving the limb easily when this occurs, causing it to swell. Charley horse has often been reported in patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which describes a blood clot in a vein, usually the leg.

Charley horse is the term given to a muscle spasm or cramp that occurs in any muscle in the body, predominantly in the leg.

When the muscle is in spasm, it contracts without your control and does not relax, sometimes due to dehydration or low levels of potassium or calcium.

The National Blood Clot Alliance explains that symptoms may include “leg pain or tenderness often described as a cramp or charley horse”.

The health body says: “These symptoms of a blood clot may feel similar to a pulled muscle or a ‘charley horse’, but may differ in that the leg (or arm) may be swollen, slightly discoloured and warm.

READ MORE: Three popular drinks linked to the formation of varicose veins

Blood clots in the lower leg could cause prolonged bouts of pain (Image: Getty )

“Contact your doctor as soon as you can if you have any of these symptoms, because you may need treatment right away. 

If you need help finding a doctor, please click here.”When the muscles contract without warning, cramps may last from a few seconds to a few days.

The pain can be intense, and may subsequently result in muscle soreness, which is very common after exercise.

Although cramps can strike at any given moment, the NHS says they’re more likely to occur at night when the body is at rest.

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In DVT the blood clot remains stationary, but there is a risk of it breaking off and entering the bloodstream and travelling to the lung.

This may cause a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism (PE), which is characterised by symptoms like:

• Sudden shortness of breath
• Chest pain-sharp, stabbing; may get worse with a deep breath
• Rapid heart rate
• Unexplained cough, sometimes with bloody mucus.

Before this occurs, however, it is possible that someone with DVT experiences no symptoms at all.

The condition may affect people with a health condition that influences how their blood clots, or someone who doesn’t move their legs for a long time.

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Swelling in the legs can be a sign of blood clots (Image: Getty )

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According to UMPC, the pain that characterises blood clots tends to have specific characteristics.

“As the clot worsens, you may feel a sensation ranging from a dull ache to intense pain. The pain may throb in your leg, belly or even arm,” explains the health body.

It continues: “Unlike the pain from a charley horse that usually goes away after stretching or with rest, the pain from a blood clot does not go away and usually gets worse with time. ”

Ignoring the above signs can pave the way for varicose veins, pain, and ulcers, as a result of prolonged swelling.

Untreated blood clots can pave the way for varicose veins (Image: Getty )

It is therefore critical to seek care as soon as the signs emerge, as several interventional procedures could potentially save your life.

Doctors may prescribe blood thinners, which are anticoagulants that help prevent blood clots from getting bigger.

Clot busters, known as thrombolytics, are drugs used for more serious types of DVT or PE, and are prescribed when other medications aren’t working.

Preventive measures can include wearing compression stockings, which reduce the risk of DVT by as much as 63 percent after a surgical procedure.

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Six early signs of deep vein thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a disease that causes life-threatening complications. Timely access to a doctor is the key to effective treatment of the disease, the ability to avoid complications and return to a normal lifestyle as soon as possible.

Recall that DVT is characterized by the formation of blood clots – blood clots, usually in the deep veins of the lower extremities. It was previously believed that the prevalence of DVT is up to 160 cases per 100,000 population. However, during the Covid-19 pandemicthe prevalence of DVT has increased – violations of hemostasis caused by the virus contribute to the formation of blood clots. According to statistics, the frequency of DVT among patients and recovered from coronavirus infection reaches 20%.

What symptoms can signal early DVT?

1. Swelling of the legs

Swelling may appear exactly in the place where the blood clot formed. Sometimes the limb swells completely, but most often the swelling appears below the knee.

Edema appears only on one leg – the one on which a blood clot formed.

Edema may occur even after treatment for DVT. Post-thrombotic syndrome develops weeks or months after DVT and causes chronic swelling of the leg. This is due to damaged venous valves as a result of DVT. Because of this, stagnation of blood occurs in the limbs, causing pain and swelling.

2. Redness of the skin

Redness of the skin on the leg is caused by clogged blood vessels due to DVT. Such redness is the result of inflammation of a vein in which there is one or more blood clots. A long, thin area of ​​redness along the affected vein may be one of the signs of developing DVT.

3. Pain

Pain in the affected extremity occurs due to impaired blood flow caused by blood clots formed in the veins. Discomfort and pain in the area of ​​the affected veins can be experienced from the moment blood clots form. The pain can range from dull to intense throbbing pain. A warning sign of DVT is pain in only one leg, with the pain often getting worse when walking or standing for a long period of time. Many people mistake this feeling for a muscle strain, but unlike the pain caused by a muscle injury, the pain caused by DVT does not go away with time.

4. Feeling of warmth

Feeling of warmth in the affected limb is one of the first symptoms of deep vein thrombosis. In some cases, only that area of ​​the skin that is directly above the affected vein is noticeably warmer.

5. Leg cramps

In general, leg cramps are a common phenomenon experienced by most, if not all people. Regular muscle spasms disappear quite quickly after massage or muscle stretching, walking, etc. However, leg cramps that don’t go away or get worse over time can be symptoms of DVT. Seizures caused by DVT may require medical attention. One way to determine if a DVT cramp is caused by a DVT cramp is to bend your ankle so that your toes are pointing up. In a normal cramp, this should relieve the pain. In the case of a spasm caused by a blood clot, the pain is likely to increase.

6. Skin lesions

In addition to redness, DVT can cause other problematic skin changes. Blockage of veins by blood clots creates areas of high pressure in them, and blood cells passing through these areas can be damaged and destroyed. The result of this process can be shiny, dry, flaky or itchy skin in the area of ​​damaged veins. In advanced cases of DVT, eczema and ulcers may develop.

In the Professor’s Clinic, patients are treated by a doctor, cardiovascular surgeon Goryunov Stepan Nikolaevich. Patients are also treated by highly qualified cardiologists. You can clarify the schedule, make an appointment with the specialists of the clinic by a single phone number in Perm – 206-07-67 or on our website.

In addition, patients are registered at the Professor’s Clinic on the Sberzdorovye portal.

Leg cramps: what to do? How to treat?

If you suffer from leg cramps, then know that they happen most often at night, and what could be worse than waking up from a sudden pain? We have collected the most common questions about the causes of leg cramps and tips on how to deal with them. So what should you do if you cramp your legs?

What is a cramp?

A spasm is a sudden contraction of a muscle that a person cannot relax. It can be long or short, but any cramp is accompanied by pain. It is caused by a large amount of decay products that are released during a strong muscle contraction.

What are the causes of leg cramps at night with varicose veins?

Experts name several reasons. Firstly, this is a violation of blood flow in the veins, which is inevitable with varicose veins. The blood stagnates, the pressure in the veins rises, and water escapes into the surrounding tissues. But with water, there are also trace elements that are needed for normal muscle contraction – potassium, calcium and sodium. As a result, the muscles begin to contract spontaneously, and these are cramps.

Secondly, with varicose veins, blood flow in the veins is difficult, and at night it becomes as slow as possible. Muscles can begin to contract with impulses to “push” blood through the vessels.

And thirdly, there is one more, slightly more complex mechanism. The point is not only that the muscle contracts, but also that it does not relax. Special molecules, ATP, are responsible for muscle relaxation in the body. When the blood in the veins stagnates, ATP production decreases, and the mechanism that “relaxes” the muscle fails.

What are the causes of leg cramps during pregnancy?

Expecting a baby is certainly a happy, but at the same time difficult time. It is during this period that many expectant mothers develop varicose veins as a result of weight gain, hormonal changes, and decreased activity. Which becomes one of the causes of night cramps.

Please note: convulsions during pregnancy are an alarming symptom. It may indicate a lack of trace elements, it may be the result of large fluid losses (for example, during toxicosis), convulsions occur if the growing uterus compresses the inferior vena cava, etc. The expectant mother should definitely consult a doctor who will accurately determine the causes of seizures.

How to get rid of nighttime leg cramps?

If you woke up at night from a sudden cramp, then your first desire is to rub your sore leg. Unfortunately, this does not always help relieve pain. How to relieve night leg cramps?

Lying down, you can do the following: pull the foot of the sore leg towards you, simultaneously squeezing and unclenching the calf muscle with your palms (after all, it usually reduces it). This will help to quickly remove the attack. After that, work with the feet of both legs, make circular movements or alternately pull them towards you. This will activate blood circulation and the pain will go away.

Some advise that if the cramp is very intense, try to relieve it by pricking the leg with a pin or needle. We doubt that it will be at your fingertips during a night’s sleep. But you can pinch yourself on the shin several times, although this can be difficult if the cramp is very strong

Also, if your leg is cramped, you can stand on the bare cool floor (but not on the carpet, the effect will not be the same) and try to walk . And when the muscle relaxes, still standing on the floor, shift from toe to heel for a minute. This simple exercise will help improve blood circulation.

I don’t want to face night pains. Is there any prophylaxis in case of leg cramps with varicose veins?

Prevention of cramps in varicose veins helps:

• the right choice of shoes – it is desirable that they be low-heeled and hold the ankle tightly.
• no excessive physical activity.
• dietary adjustment. Include foods rich in potassium, calcium and magnesium in your daily menu. Eat more dairy products, legumes, cereals, give preference not to chocolate, but to dates, prunes and dried apricots. And do not forget that smoking, as well as drinking a lot of coffee and strong tea, can provoke seizures.
• contrast baths before bedtime. They are useful not only as a prevention of seizures, but also as a therapy that helps strengthen the walls of the veins.

Is it possible to cure cramps with varicose veins on your own?

The primary cause of convulsions in varicose veins is the stagnation of blood in the veins. It is impossible to get rid of this at home: only a doctor can cure varicose veins. That is why, if you are worried about leg cramps at night, we recommend that you seek advice from a phlebologist.

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