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Leg Cramping Specialist

MD Vein & Skin Specialists Clement Banda, MD Our Services Leg Cramping
Clement Banda, MD - - Dermatologist

MD Vein & Skin Specialists

Clement Banda, MD

Dermatologist & Phlebologist located in Owen Brown, Columbia, MD

If you’ve ever awakened in the middle of the night because of a severe pain in your calf, you know how a leg cramp feels. While there are a number of reasons you may experience leg cramps, venous insufficiency is often overlooked. Dr. Clement Banda at MD Vein & Skin Specialists in Owen Brown, Columbia, Maryland, is an expert in vein health and recommends an evaluation of blood circulation in your legs if you’re experiencing leg cramps. Call today or schedule an appointment online.

Leg Cramping Q & A

What are leg cramps?

A leg cramp is a sudden involuntary muscle contraction that can cause extreme pain. In addition being unable to move the muscle, you may also feel a knot in the leg. Leg cramps most often occur in the calf muscle.

What causes leg cramps?

You may experience leg cramps for any number of reasons. Extreme physical labor and exercise, especially in hot weather, are common causes of leg cramps, as well as certain medications.

Poor blood flow to your leg muscles may also cause the sudden painful cramping, including varicose veins. If your leg cramps happen often and don’t improve with self-care, Dr. Banda recommends you come in to see him for an evaluation to see if poor blood flow is the cause of your leg cramps.

How do I know if my leg cramps are due to poor blood flow?

If Dr. Banda suspects poor blood flow is the reason you’re experiencing leg cramps, he may conduct a color duplex ultrasound to assess vein health. This procedure uses soundwave technology to generate images of the veins and blood flow in your legs.

The ultrasound is a noninvasive test that requires no preparation prior to treatment or downtime afterward.

During the procedure Dr. Banda may look for:

  • Blood clots
  • Narrowing or weakness in your veins
  • Reduced blood flow
  • Malformations or tumors in your veins

Dr. Banda is a vein specialist and carefully reviews your ultrasound images for signs of venous insufficiency and varicose veins.

What can be done to improve my leg cramps?

If your leg cramps are related to venous insufficiency or varicose veins, Dr. Banda may recommend treatment to help restore the flow of blood to alleviate the leg cramps. Initially, he may recommend:

  • Weight loss if you’re overweight
  • Use of compression stockings
  • Exercise

If conservative treatments fail to improve your cramping or your blood flow is poor, Dr. Banda may recommend a minimally invasive treatment that destroys the veins that may be responsible for your leg cramps. Treatments include:

  • Endovenous ablation
  • Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy
  • Ambulatory phlebectomy

If you’re experiencing leg cramps and have varicose veins, Dr. Banda at MD Vein & Skin Specialists can help. Call today or book an appointment using the online booking button.

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