While leg swelling after a long day or cramps after exercise is normal, persistent issues with these symptoms might indicate a cardiovascular problem.
To help you assess whether there’s cause for concern, the team at James Kim Cardiology has compiled information on various cardiovascular conditions that can cause leg swelling and cramps.
Led by James Kim, M.D., we believe that educating our patients is crucial for getting the help they need as early as possible.
Understanding Your Cardiovascular System
The primary components of your cardiovascular system are the heart, veins, and arteries. Veins carry blood to the heart, which then sends it to the lungs to pick up oxygen and nutrients. The heart then pumps the oxygenated blood through your arteries to the rest of your body.
While this is a simplified explanation, it helps illustrate the potential issues that can lead to leg swelling and cramps.
Venous Insufficiency
Your veins are responsible for delivering blood back to your heart, a task that is especially challenging for the veins in your legs. These blood vessels must work against gravity to push blood upward toward your chest.
To assist in this process, veins are equipped with tiny valves that close as blood passes through, preventing it from flowing backward. When these valves weaken or malfunction, chronic venous insufficiency can occur, leading to:
- Varicose veins
- Skin discoloration
- Itchy legs
- Leg ulcers
- Leg swelling
- Leg cramps
If diagnosed with venous insufficiency, we recommend conservative treatments such as compression stockings and lifestyle changes like regular exercise.
Peripheral Artery Disease
Now let’s discuss your arteries. When your arteries become blocked (atherosclerosis), it can restrict blood flow to your legs, resulting in peripheral artery disease (PAD). Common signs of PAD include:
- Numbness in your legs
- Cramping on one side of your hips or legs after exercise
- Slow-healing ulcers
- Skin discolorations
- Temperature changes in your skin
As PAD progresses, these symptoms can worsen, making early intervention crucial. Through comprehensive diagnostic testing, we can determine if you have PAD and recommend an appropriate treatment plan, typically involving medications and changes in lifestyle.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
This condition arises from a blood clot that typically forms in your pelvis, thighs, or lower legs. DVT can be very serious if the clot breaks free and travels to your lungs, blocking blood flow. Be on the lookout for the following symptoms:
- Pain in your leg
- Swelling in one leg
- Enlarged veins near the surface
- Warm skin around the swelling
If you notice any of these signs, please visit us immediately for an evaluation.
Heart Failure
The most serious condition related to leg swelling and cramping is congestive heart failure. A key symptom of heart failure is fluid (blood) buildup in your lower legs, known as edema. This happens because your heart’s lower chambers cannot pump blood effectively.
As you can see, various issues can cause leg swelling and cramping, making a visit to us essential. To determine the underlying cause of your symptoms, contact one of our offices in National City or Chula Vista, California, to schedule an appointment.
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Heart Disorder, Swollen Legs
