Why Do My Legs Cramp All the Time?

Leg cramps can range in intensity, from simply mildly annoying to downright debilitating. While everyone experiences occasional leg cramps, if your leg cramping is significantly painful or has been happening on an ongoing basis, it’s time to figure out what’s going on. 

At Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, our team of vascular specialists go the extra mile to help patients from in and around McAllen, Rio Grande City, and Raymondville, Texas, find a path away from leg discomfort and limited mobility. 

John Hovorka, MD, and Cynthia Salinas, MD, are here to help determine the source of your leg cramps and get you started on the best possible treatment plan. Let’s explore potential causes of this common problem — and when it should prompt you to seek expert care. 

What do leg cramps feel like?

Leg cramping happens when the muscles in your legs begin to contract involuntarily. This can happen during the day or while you’re asleep at night. Mild cramping might feel like sore muscles or minimal throbbing, while more severe leg cramps can bring on a sudden, tight clenching that comes with burning or stinging pain. 

Some leg cramping lasts for less than a minute, and resolves when you stretch your foot and leg, or when you stand and put weight on your legs and feet. In other instances, cramping can last for a long stretch of time and be impossible to ignore. Some people even experience bouts of leg cramping that last around the clock. 

What could be causing my leg cramping?

A number of different things can cause or contribute to leg cramping. Some are relatively simple and easy to reverse, while others are more complex and require professional medical intervention. Here are some circumstances that are most often at the root of leg cramps:

• Pregnancy
• Dehydration
• Certain medications
• Being on dialysis
• Spinal cord injuries
• Pinched nerves
• Extreme fatigue
• Too much time spent sitting or standing
• Circulation issues
• Poor posture

Determining the source of your leg cramps is the first step in finding relief. Our team has the experience, training, and equipment needed for accurate diagnostic services.

When should I seek treatment for leg cramping?

Everyone has occasional leg cramps. Whether it’s from a long day on your feet, sitting in an unusual position for a period of time, or starting a new medication, leg cramping is common. 

If you experience leg cramping over time, you might want to consider making some changes to see if you can resolve the matter on your own. Staying hydrated is a great place to begin. 

You should also take a hard look at your daily habits to see if you’re placing strain on your legs by standing or sitting for hours at a time. Finding ways to balance your activity levels can do wonders to ease leg cramping. 

If these efforts aren’t yielding results, or if your leg cramps are severe, it’s time to come in and see our team for a professional diagnostic assessment. Many cases of leg cramping are tied to vascular issues, and there are treatments that can lessen or even eliminate cramping. 

Lasting relief from persistent leg cramping

At Laser Surgical Solutions, RGV, PLLC, we offer comprehensive diagnostic services for leg cramping, as well as state-of-the-art treatment plans that range from lifestyle modifications to surgical intervention. 

Ready to get started? Contact one of our offices in McAllen, Rio Grande City, or Raymondville, Texas, to set up a visit. In addition to our easy online booking option, you’re always welcome to give us a call to schedule an appointment.