You may suffer from a vascular disease if one of your legs is swollen or both. The biological term for leg swelling is edema, which arises when you experience blood circulation problems in the legs.

Have you ever experienced a sharp, stabbing pain in your calf muscle that comes out of nowhere? If so, you're not alone. Leg cramps are a common occurrence, especially as we age. While they're usually not serious, they can be painful and disruptive.

But did you know that leg cramps can tell you a lot about your vascular health?

That's right - the condition of your veins and arteries can significantly impact the frequency and severity of leg cramps. Here, we’ll go over all you need to know about the relationship between cramping and your vascular health.

Your back is a strong base that supports the body's anatomical structures. It helps you stand erect, locomote, and carry weights around.

The lower back comprises numerous bones (vertebrae), muscles, and ligaments. Different pathologies can alter the harmonious operation of the structures and lead to pelvic pain.

Causes and Risk Factors for Pelvic or Low Back Pain

Pelvic low back pain is a common condition, especially amongst adults globally. 

Pelvic venous insufficiency or PVI is a condition that produces symptoms such as chronic pelvic pain and leg swelling. PVI develops when veins in the pelvic region can’t circulate blood properly. Instead of blood flowing back toward the heart, blood pools or builds up in the pelvis.

If you have symptoms of PVI or suspect you have the condition, you should schedule an appointment with your vascular doctor.

Chronic pelvic pain refers to any pain between your hips and the belly button that lasts for more than six months. There may be various causes of chronic pelvic pain, including activities like intercourse, sitting for long periods, and medical conditions like endometriosis and pelvic congestion syndrome.

Pregnancy comes alongside many challenges, both expected and unexpected. Physical changes in your body can sometimes lead to unwanted symptoms that may cause pain and discomfort.

Vulvar varicosity is a rare issue, but it can occur in any pregnancy. Around 4% of women experience vulvar varicosities during their pregnancy, and the effects are sometimes permanent.

During pregnancy, changes to your body can result in pain around the pelvic area. Hormonal fluctuations, muscle imbalances, and increased pressure on the pelvic floor can lead to discomfort up to and during childbirth.

Many women assume that their bodies will return to normal as it heals during the postpartum period. While some changes during pregnancy might only be temporary, others can be permanent. Plenty of women experience pelvic pressure postpartum, which can last months to years after childbirth.

Problems with the musculoskeletal system often cause pelvic pain and pressure. The system includes your bones, joints, muscles, and tendons.

Most of the causes of pelvic pain are not life-threatening and may resolve themselves over time or with at-home treatment.

Venous Reflux Disease (VRD), also known as Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) probably isn’t a topic you discuss over the dinner table. The fact is, it’s more common than you might realize. Women are the largest targets for Venous Reflux Disease. 40% of women will develop it, usually between 40 and 49 years of age. 

Pelvic pain is a serious condition that can be debilitating, whether it’s chronic or acute.

Without a doubt, it has a detrimental impact on those who suffer from it.