Sudden, severe leg cramps could potentially indicate a significant health issue.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) can lead to leg cramps, a common yet often overlooked symptom. PAD occurs when arteries narrow and blood flow to the body parts is disrupted, resulting in muscle cramps and pain during physical activity that is alleviated by rest. This phenomenon is known as intermittent claudication.
Other symptoms of PAD include numbness or weakness in the legs, coldness in one leg or foot compared to the other, poor wound healing or sores that do not heal, especially on the feet or toes, pain in the toes or legs at night, burning pain in the feet and toes at rest in more advanced cases, shiny or discolored skin on the legs and feet, and lack of symptoms or misdiagnosis in up to half of patients with PAD.
If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. Applying heat, taking a warm bath, or using an ice pack to the affected area can provide temporary relief for muscle cramping associated with PAD. Passive stretching may also help improve blood flow, blood vessel dilation, and stiffness.
Doctors may recommend statins for cholesterol control, but lifestyle adjustments such as a diet rich in omega-3s, weight training, and quitting smoking can also be beneficial. People with PAD have lower omega-3 index compared to those without the disease, and oily fish like salmon, sardines, and herring are high in omega-3s.
Sources:- Peripheral artery disease symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic- High cholesterol early symptom: Spasms or leg cramps could be the first noticeable sign of clogged arteries - Times of India- New research shows people with PAD could have an omega-3 deficiency - Eureka Alert
- Maintaining heart health through proper nutrition, particularly a diet rich in omega-3s, can potentially mitigate the risks associated with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).
- Science highlights the importance of cardiovascular health in managing medical-conditions like PAD, as individuals with PAD often have a lower omega-3 index compared to those without the disease.
- A well-rounded health-and-wellness routine that includes fitness-and-exercise, such as weight training, quitting smoking, and a balanced diet, can significantly aid in improving cardiovascular health and alleviating symptoms related to PAD.
