Peripheral Artery Disease
One of the more high-risk causes of leg cramps is peripheral artery disease (PAD), which occurs when blood vessels of the legs become narrowed or clogged. This occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries leading to poor blood flow to the legs. When someone with PAD walks or exercises the leg muscles do not get enough blood, causing painful leg cramps.
Other symptoms of PAD include calf muscles shrinking, hair loss on the legs, feet and toes, sores on the feet that are slow to heal, pale or blueish skin on the feet, shiny tight skin and thick toenails. If you have any of these symptoms, in addition to your leg cramps, it is important to have your condition looked at and diagnosed by your primary care physician to receive treatment.
