Top 3 Takeaways for Patients with Leg Cramps
- Not All Leg Cramps Are Neuropathy
Cramps linked to activity and relieved by rest may indicate poor circulation (PAD), not nerve damage. - Look for Physical Warning Signs
Changes in skin color/texture, hair and nail growth, limb temperature, and nonhealing wounds can all signal PAD. - Early Testing and Treatment Prevents Complications
A vascular evaluation and minimally invasive treatments can restore blood flow, relieve pain, and help prevent limb loss.
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Five Signs Your Leg Cramps Aren’t Just Neuropathy
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, peripheral neuropathy encompasses more than 100 different conditions in which the peripheral nervous system, which sends signals between the brain and spinal cord and the rest of the body, is damaged. When nerve signaling is disrupted, patients can experience sensory, motor, or autonomic function problems, which can produce distinctive symptoms depending on which type of nerves have been affected.
Though some types of peripheral neuropathies can be inherited, a larger number are acquired, through causes such as physical trauma, infections, exposure to toxins, autoimmune disorders, certain cancers and cancer treatments, and more. Diabetes is the most common cause of acquired peripheral neuropathy, with an estimated two-thirds of diabetic patients also experiencing nerve problems. Among the symptoms are associated with neuropathy are:
- Painful muscle cramps
- Muscle weakness
- Tingling, prickling, or burning sensations
- Numbness
- Sensitivity to touch or temperature
If symptoms such as these are present, especially in combination with underlying factors such as diabetes that are known to cause peripheral neuropathy, a possible diagnosis would be confirmed through a full medical workup, including neurological and nerve function tests.
An accurate diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy can lead the way to effective treatment and therapies that lessen the associated discomfort and improve motor symptoms. However, certain symptoms like pain and cramps are also associated with circulatory problems such as peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition in which blood flow to the limbs (most often the legs) is impaired due to atherosclerosis. If treatment for neuropathy is not producing relief, that may be a sign that the patient is suffering from more than just neuropathy.
Signs That Can Indicate Poor Circulation
As with peripheral artery disease, diabetes is a risk factor for developing PAD, and it is not uncommon for patients to have both simultaneously. However, it is vital not to confuse the underlying cause of the symptoms they experience, as effective treatment for nerve damage will not address circulatory issues (and vice versa). Five signs that indicate poor blood flow as opposed to nerve damage include:
| Sign | Description |
| Leg cramps during activity (intermittent claudication) | Pain and cramps in calves, thighs, or buttocks during walking/exercise that go away with rest. Neuropathy pain often occurs at night or during rest. |
| Skin changes | Skin on legs/feet becomes pale, dark, bluish, or shiny. |
| Hair and nail changes | Hair loss or slow growth on legs/feet; slow-growing or thick toenails. |
| Cold limbs | Legs or feet that feel cold to the touch. |
| Wounds that don’t heal | Sores or wounds on legs/feet/toes that heal very slowly or not at all. |
If any of these are present, medical providers should perform additional testing to assess the patient’s circulation, such as a vascular ultrasound. This can help identify narrowed arteries or full blockages that are impeding blood flow and confirm an additional diagnosis of peripheral artery disease. In cases where circulation is severely impacted, minimally invasive treatment to restore blood flow can reduce pain as well as the risk that a nonhealing wound could lead to limb loss.
Effective Diagnosis and Treatment of Peripheral Artery Disease
When conditions like peripheral neuropathy and PAD overlap, the risk of one being overlooked once the other has been diagnosed may be magnified. If you feel that neuropathy doesn’t fully explain what you’re experiencing, AVA Vascular can evaluate your circulation to determine if peripheral artery disease may be contributing to your pain and cramping. Our nonsurgical options for restoring blood flow through affected arteries can help improve your health and your quality of life with minimal downtime and without extensive hospitalizations. Contact us here to schedule your consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Neuropathy pain often occurs at night or during rest, while PAD cramps usually happen during activity and improve with rest. A vascular ultrasound can confirm circulation issues.
PAD can cause worsening pain, nonhealing wounds, and in severe cases, increase the risk of infection and limb loss if blood flow is not restored.
Yes. Many patients with diabetes have both neuropathy and PAD. That’s why accurate diagnosis is critical—treating only neuropathy won’t solve circulation problems.
