Leg cramps - causes of occurrence in older people and pregnant women

One common sleep disorder is restless legs syndrome in pregnancy (RLS). This pathological condition is characterized by constant discomfort in the lower extremities, which manifests itself mainly in the dark and causes the need for constant movement. To understand how to get rid of RLS, you need to determine its cause. The Leto Mental Health Center has been successfully diagnosing and treating restless legs syndrome in pregnant women for several years. We will select the correct, and most importantly, safe therapy for both the woman and the fetus and relieve the patient from the painful symptoms of the disease.

Information sheet

For the first time in medicine, such a pathological condition was described in the 17th century by Thomas Willis, an outstanding physician, clinician and anatomist from London. But the diagnosis was officially confirmed much later.

In the 20th century, thanks to the research of the Swedish neurologist and psychiatrist Karl-Axel Ekbom, it became clear what the nature of the disease was. And if psychiatry was initially involved in the study of pathology (it was believed that this was one of the signs of schizophrenia), then the disease was soon recognized as neurological.

The prevalence of restless legs syndrome is high: about 2.5% of respondents confirmed that they experience a similar problem. Women complain about this twice as often, and often the first signs of the disease appear during pregnancy. After childbirth, symptoms often disappear forever in the vast majority of cases.

Varicose veins after childbirth

The most important concern of expectant mothers is whether varicose veins will go away after pregnancy? Usually varicose veins go away 3 months after the birth of the child. If the changes do not disappear after 3 months, you need to contact a phlebologist.

Manifestations of varicose veins that first appear during pregnancy usually go away with virtually no treatment. However, the more severe the changes, the more likely they are to remain after birth and require treatment. Varicose veins in the vagina or vulva almost always resolve naturally after childbirth.

Symptoms of restless legs syndrome

In modern medicine, the term “Willis-Ekbom syndrome” . It manifests itself primarily as problems with falling asleep - a person cannot fall asleep due to discomfort in the legs. This cannot be called pain, but rather a painful need for movements that help eliminate discomfort for 10-15 seconds. Every 5-30 seconds the patient experiences symptoms such as:

• tingling;
• aches;
• severe burning sensation;
• movements under the skin;
• twitching;
• goosebumps;
• seizures, etc.

With RLS, there are usually problems with sleep, namely with its deep phase. With a certain frequency, such patients experienced twitching of their limbs during sleep. The more such spasms there were, the worse the person felt the next morning: there was no feeling of refreshing sleep.

An important feature of this condition is that symptoms become more active in the evening or at night, and in pregnant women most often in the 2nd or 3rd trimester .

The syndrome is diagnosed if:

1. The patient has the symptoms described above. Often women cannot describe exactly what they feel, but note that the symptoms are extremely unpleasant and are mostly localized in the feet, legs or thighs.
2. The amplitude of unpleasant sensations increases at rest (in a lying or sitting position, when the woman is about to sleep).
3. Movements help temporarily relieve discomfort. When stretching, straining the legs, walking or exercising, the discomfort disappears.
4. Symptoms are cyclical. Signs of restless legs syndrome intensify in the evening and in the first half of the night - from 18.00 to 04.00. With the onset of morning, the discomfort most often goes away.

Among pregnant women, RLS is diagnosed in about a third of cases, which is often associated with changes in the electrolyte composition of the blood.

Risk factors for varicose veins during pregnancy

Varicose veins are considered a disease with a hereditary predisposition [2]. If a mother or grandmother suffered from varicose veins during pregnancy, the woman’s risk of developing this disease increases sharply.

The incidence of varicose veins increases with age, weight gain and each subsequent pregnancy. If a woman is carrying twins or triplets, the risk of developing varicose veins in pregnant women doubles.

Lifestyle and work habits (long hours of standing or sitting still) can also provoke varicose veins.

Why does this disease occur?

During pregnancy, this problem can be caused by several reasons. The appearance of symptoms in the 3rd or 2nd trimester is influenced by the following factors:

• stagnation of blood in the vessels;
• poor sleep caused by dopamine fluctuations or increased estrogen levels;
• lack of iron or folic acid in the body of a pregnant woman;
• increased sensitivity;
• hormonal changes, etc.

The disease is often provoked by pathologies such as Parkinson's disease, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, renal failure, etc.

How to relieve varicose veins during pregnancy

There are a number of tips for preventing varicose veins in pregnant women, the observance of which helps to alleviate the course of the disease and reduce discomfort:

• Don't cross your legs . Sitting with one leg crossed over the other blocks the flow of blood through the veins and can cause increased blood pressure.
• Change position . If you have to sit or stand all day at work, you need to change your position as often as possible. This prevents blood from pooling in the legs.
• Sleep on your left side . As your belly gets larger, lying on your back will be difficult. If you have varicose veins, try sleeping on your left side rather than your right. This prevents the uterus from pressing on the abdominal veins, and helps blood flow away from the lower extremities at night.
• Raise your feet . Elevate your legs frequently throughout the day. Ideally, they should be higher than the level of the heart so that the force of gravity helps blood flow more actively. While lying in bed, you can place your feet on a pillow to help blood flow while you sleep.
• Watch your salt intake . When you eat a lot of salt, more fluid enters your blood vessels, which can increase the pressure in your veins. Excess fluid penetrates the tissue and leads to swelling. Drink plenty of water to help your body maintain proper fluid balance.
• Watch your weight . A woman's body changes during pregnancy, and the expectant mother gains weight. The higher your body weight, the more pressure the weight puts on the veins of the lower extremities. The doctor will evaluate the gains and clarify weight norms [4].

Does the syndrome need to be treated?

Since such a pathology significantly impairs the quality of sleep, it must be eliminated. Constant lack of sleep causes:

• overwork;
• depression;
• neurasthenia;
• decreased concentration;
• deterioration of cognitive functions;
• feeling of energy deficiency, etc.

In addition to the above, the presence of Willis-Ekbom syndrome is one of the predictors of the development of cardiovascular diseases. Patients are much more likely to suffer from arterial hypertension, arrhythmia, and in the presence of risk factors (overweight, diabetes, etc.), a heart attack or stroke cannot be ruled out (especially during childbirth). And restless legs during pregnancy are an additional danger, because constant discomfort associated with lack of sleep increases the risk of premature birth and placental hypoxia.

What is varicose veins

Varicose veins of the lower extremities are a persistent and irreversible expansion of the veins that occurs as a result of gross changes in their walls, as well as insufficiency of their valve apparatus due to a genetic defect. The primary factors for the occurrence of varicose veins are hereditary weakness of the vascular wall. Secondary factors leading to varicose veins are prolonged stress on the lower extremities.

Statistics show that 40-65% of expectant mothers develop varicose veins at least once in their lives [1]. Most obese women suffer from varicose veins during pregnancy.

Although varicose veins are most common in the legs, they can occur in other places. Especially in late pregnancy, tortuous veins may appear on the buttocks, vagina or vulva. This occurs when the lower abdomen and uterus put increased pressure on the veins in these areas.

Cost of services

This list does not contain all prices for services provided by our clinic. The full price list can be found on the “Prices” , or by calling: 8(969)060-93-93. Initial consultation is FREE!

What are the complications of varicose veins

Varicose veins can lead to serious complications. There is an increased risk of developing dangerous conditions: blood clots and venous ulcers.

There are two main types of blood clots. Superficial venous thrombi form in the saphenous veins. They usually do not migrate to the lungs. Deep vein thrombosis is dangerous. The blood clots that form in them can break off and enter the pulmonary vessels. It is important to see a doctor immediately if:

• varicose veins become hard and rope-like;
• surrounding tissue is hot, painful, or swollen;
• there are noticeable changes in the color of the veins;
• ulcers appear on the skin;
• a painful, severe swelling appears in one leg.

In these cases, the phlebologist will determine treatment tactics, including minimally invasive surgical methods, to eliminate inflammation and the risk of life-threatening complications.

Sources:

1. Marizoeva M.M. The course of pregnancy in women with varicose veins / M.M. Marizoeva [and others] // Bulletin of Avicenna. — 2021. — No. 2. – pp. 142-146.
2. Ottley C. HEREDITY AND VARICOSE VEINS. Br Med J 1934;1(3820):528. doi:10.1136/bmj.1.3820.528 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2444750/?page=1
3. Varicose Veins in the Legs: The Diagnosis and Management of Varicose Veins. NICE Clinical Guidelines, No. 168. National Clinical Guideline Center (UK). London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (UK); 2013 Jul.
4. American Pregnancy Association, Treating Varicose Veins Naturally During Pregnancy. https://americanpregnancy.org/naturally/treating-varicose-veins-naturally-during-pregnancy/.

What to do if you have restless legs syndrome

The following are used in therapy:

1. Iron supplements, since a lack of an essential microelement leads to disturbances in the area of ​​the brain associated with the production of dopamine. Before this, it is necessary to undergo laboratory tests to determine serum iron levels. In case of a complicated medical history (cases of restless legs syndrome in close relatives, metabolic disorders, etc.), multivitamin complexes are recommended to be taken already at the planning stage of conception.
2. Dopamine receptor stimulants, which help replenish the lack of dopamine in the body.
3. Drugs that normalize the transmission of nerve impulses in muscle tissue.
4. Agents that improve blood circulation in the vessels of the lower extremities. Considering the likelihood of adverse reactions, preference in this situation is given to topical medications (creams, ointments, gels).

Due to the fact that many drugs used in the treatment of restless legs syndrome are contraindicated during pregnancy, it is first advised to try non-drug therapy methods. Recommend :

• massage the lower extremities before bed;
• avoid taking stimulating drinks and foods (coffee, strong tea, chocolate, Coca-Cola, etc.) at late times;
• stop smoking (unfortunately, often women, even after learning about pregnancy, continue to smoke);
• increase physical activity on the legs and the body as a whole during the daytime (naturally, taking into account individual physiological characteristics and health status);
• observe the rules of sleep hygiene (go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, refuse daytime rest, do not watch TV before bed, limit the use of any gadgets).

Experts warn that the appearance of any alarming symptoms during pregnancy, even minor discomfort, is a reason to consult a doctor. Treatment and diagnosis should be carried out only by specialized doctors.

In our center you can find experienced neurologists who will conduct a thorough diagnosis and prescribe adequate therapy. Good health of a pregnant woman is the key to having a healthy baby! And we are ready to take care of it! Call us 24/7 at 8(969)060-93-93 .

Symptoms of varicose veins in pregnant women

Some women have slightly swollen, tortuous, multi-colored veins in their legs that are simply a cosmetic problem. For others, varicose veins during pregnancy provoke unpleasant symptoms - swelling, pain or severe discomfort in the legs. In all women who have varicose veins in the legs, this is a key sign of varicose veins. If left untreated, vein damage can lead to serious complications, including blood clots, phlebitis and trophic ulcers. In addition, the risk of a fatal complication – PE (pulmonary embolism) – increases.

Throughout pregnancy, you need to monitor for signs of varicose veins:

• swelling in the area of ​​the legs, ankles, and feet;
• cramping or tenderness in the thigh or lower leg;
• fatigue, heaviness in the legs;
• restlessness, especially at night, desire to constantly move your legs;
• itchy, dry or pale skin on the legs, burning sensation;
• tortuous, protruding “stars”, larger tortuous veins;
• sores on the legs or ankles that take a long time to heal or do not heal at all;
• pain in the legs that goes away when the woman walks or lifts her legs.

Treatment of joint pain during pregnancy

If joint pain is significant, seek help from a doctor. The gynecologist knows which medications will ease the condition during pregnancy and will not harm the baby.

If the pain does not go beyond the lungs, you can use the following tips:

• Do gymnastics
  . Regular exercise improves range of motion and helps maintain joint flexibility. Low-impact exercises such as walking and swimming are better for your joints.
• Use contrast therapy
  . Use a heating pad or electric blanket to warm up your joints. Place an ice pack wrapped in a towel on the sore muscle area.

• Get a massage
  . Massage therapy treats joint pain and stiffness and improves range of motion and gait.
• Try acupuncture.
  Acupuncture can help relieve joint pain.
• Take Omega-3 complexes.
  Including foods rich in Omega-3 in your diet will help relieve pain.
• Take time to rest to give your joints a rest.
  Relaxation exercises as well as leg elevation may also help relieve knee and ankle pain.
• Wear comfortable shoes.
  Wearing high heels puts stress on your ankles and feet. Instead, try to wear shoes that provide adequate support.

How to choose the right activity in the first trimester?

A healthy woman practically does not feel pregnancy in the first trimester - up to 12 weeks. “And, if her doctor believes that the pregnancy is progressing normally, the woman may well remain physically active. A pregnancy that proceeds without pathologies will not be interrupted by stress during this period,” says Makarova. However, at this time it is worth excluding: 1. Too intense physical activity - marathon running, cycling, weight training. 2. Injurious sports - roller skating, wrestling, mountaineering, equestrianism, diving. But moderate exercise
- dancing, gymnastics, swimming, walking - will only benefit the expectant mother at this time. Provided that the attending physician has not detected any threat to the developing pregnancy.