Trouble Walking? Why Persistent Leg Cramping Could Mean Peripheral Artery Disease

Your arteries perform the essential task of transporting oxygenated blood throughout your body. When this task is impeded, symptoms like leg cramping can develop. 

At Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, we see a lot of patients from McAllen, Rio Grande City, and Raymondville, Texas, who are experiencing persistent leg cramps. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is one of many potential causes of leg cramping — and it’s one that requires swift intervention to avoid serious outcomes. 

John Hovorka, MD, and Cynthia Salinas, MD, take the time to listen to each patient’s concerns and shape a personalized diagnostic work-up that can help get to the bottom of symptoms and chart a course toward treatment, improved vascular health, and long-lasting relief. 

Let’s take a closer look at why PAD causes leg cramping, what it might feel like, and how to get the help you need to protect your health. 

Peripheral artery disease prevents proper circulation

Each time your heart beats, it pumps oxygenated blood into your arteries. This blood also contains micronutrients your cells need to function properly. You have arteries in your heart, brain, arms, and digestive organs. Arteries also extend into your lower body through your hips and legs. 

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) develops when the arteries in your arms and/or legs become narrowed, which happens as a result of accumulated plaque along the artery walls. This leaves less space for blood to flow. When your legs are affected, it becomes difficult for the tissues in your lower body to function properly. 

One symptom of PAD is leg cramping. While everyone experiences occasional leg cramps, when these sensations linger or become painful, it’s important to reach out to our vascular experts for prompt evaluation and care. 

What does leg cramping feel like?

Not everyone has the exact same experience with leg cramping. The sensations can include tingling, burning, numbness, or a sensation of muscle fatigue. Cramping can come and go, or persist for longer stretches of time. 

In the early stages of PAD, leg cramping usually only happens when you’re active. You might notice discomfort while walking, climbing stairs, or even while standing, and the sensations will diminish when you take a break or rest. 

In the later stages of PAD, leg cramping and discomfort can happen even while you’re sitting or lying down. You might have unusual burning or aching in your feet and toes, too. Some people also develop arterial ulcers, or slow-healing open sores, on their lower extremities. 

Treatment can help resolve PAD-related leg cramping

Don’t ignore ongoing leg cramping, especially if it reaches the stage where you aren’t able to move or walk without discomfort. There are a range of treatments that can help. 

The first step is determining the cause of your cramping. In some cases, making changes to your habits and lifestyle is all it takes to improve leg cramps. You can learn stretching exercises to keep your muscles flexible and enhance blood flow to the area. If your cramping is caused by the way you use your body at work or at home, we can help you learn how to avoid cramps and stay active. 

If PAD is the underlying cause, there are many treatments that can help. These include:

• Medications to improve blood flow and reduce your risk of blood clots
• Medications to reduce your cholesterol and manage your blood pressure
• Dietary changes to reduce plaque accumulation
• Exercises to enhance lower extremity blood flow
• Angioplasty (a surgical balloon to compress plaque and improve blood flow)
• Atherectomy (a catheter to remove plaque)
• Endarterectomy is the direct surgical removal of plaque
• Wound care if you have ulcers (e.g., hyperbaric oxygen therapy)

You’ll learn the pros and cons of various options and have our full guidance and support as you make your treatment decisions. 

If leg cramping is getting in the way of your life, schedule a visit at your nearest Laser Surgical Solutions, RGV, PLLC, office in McAllen, Rio Grande City, or Raymondville, Texas, at your earliest convenience. We offer online and phone-based booking options to expand access to our team.