Can venous insufficiency cause cramps?

Answers from doctors (9)


Wisconsin Vein Center & MediSpa

Published on Jul 08, 2021

Yes, leg cramps at night are actually a common symptom of venous insufficiency. Other things, like spinal stenosis, can cause cramping, but venous insufficiency is much more common.

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Answered by Wisconsin Vein Center & MediSpa

Yes, leg cramps at night are actually a common symptom of venous insufficiency. Other things, like spinal stenosis, can cause cramping, but venous insufficiency is much more common.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


NE Laser Vein Institute LLC

Published on Apr 14, 2016

Sometimes it does.

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Answered by NE Laser Vein Institute LLC

Sometimes it does.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Apr 06, 2016

Leg cramps are a very common symptom of venous insufficiency but may also be due to many other causes such as medicine.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Leg cramps are a very common symptom of venous insufficiency but may also be due to many other causes such as medicine.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


It is possible that cramps of the legs can be related to chronic venous insufficiency. However, a cramp in the leg while walking may be more likely due to PAD (peripheral arterial disease). It is advisable to see a vascular surgeon to evaluate both your venous and arterial circulation.

Answered by NJ Vein Care and Aesthetics Center (View Profile)

It is possible that cramps of the legs can be related to chronic venous insufficiency. However, a cramp in the leg while walking may be more likely due to PAD (peripheral arterial disease). It is advisable to see a vascular surgeon to evaluate both your venous and arterial circulation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Moises Roizental, MD, FSIR

Published on Mar 30, 2016

Cramps is one of the symptoms of venous insufficiency, though there are many causes for leg cramps. A medical evaluation by a vascular specialist with a doppler ultrasound should be done to evaluate the venous system if there are other symptoms like swelling, heaviness, or varicose veins.

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Answered by Moises Roizental, MD, FSIR

Cramps is one of the symptoms of venous insufficiency, though there are many causes for leg cramps. A medical evaluation by a vascular specialist with a doppler ultrasound should be done to evaluate the venous system if there are other symptoms like swelling, heaviness, or varicose veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Mar 30, 2016

Cramps or Charlie horses are not the result of vein problems, but may be helped with extra potassium in your diet if your kidneys are normal. Potassium can be found in bananas, orange juice, or avacados. Quinine may help as well. Cramps with walking may be the result of blocked arteries and require intervention when disabling.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Cramps or Charlie horses are not the result of vein problems, but may be helped with extra potassium in your diet if your kidneys are normal. Potassium can be found in bananas, orange juice, or avacados. Quinine may help as well. Cramps with walking may be the result of blocked arteries and require intervention when disabling.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Mar 30, 2016

It can, but so can many other things.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

It can, but so can many other things.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI, RPhS

Published on Mar 30, 2016

Venous insufficiency does cause cramping. Cramping at the end of the day is a very common presenting symptom in patients with venous insufficiency.

If you have diminished arterial pulses and a history of smoking, an arterial duplex scan with plethysmography is important to rule out coexistent peripheral artery disease causing leg cramps. These types of cramps are called Charlie horses by the lay public; vascular surgeons called this claudication.

By taking a careful history and comprehensive examination of the patients legs and pulses, a vein specialist can determine what is causing your leg cramps. There are other causes for leg cramping that is not arterial or venous in origin, e.g. calcium, magnesium levels, etc.

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Answered by Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI, RPhS

Venous insufficiency does cause cramping. Cramping at the end of the day is a very common presenting symptom in patients with venous insufficiency.

If you have diminished arterial pulses and a history of smoking, an arterial duplex scan with plethysmography is important to rule out coexistent peripheral artery disease causing leg cramps. These types of cramps are called Charlie horses by the lay public; vascular surgeons called this claudication.

By taking a careful history and comprehensive examination of the patients legs and pulses, a vein specialist can determine what is causing your leg cramps. There are other causes for leg cramping that is not arterial or venous in origin, e.g. calcium, magnesium levels, etc.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor St. Louis Vein Center

Published on Mar 30, 2016

Yes, venous insufficiency is a common cause of leg cramps.

Answered by St. Louis Vein Center (View Profile)

Yes, venous insufficiency is a common cause of leg cramps.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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