One with varicose or enlarged veins, whether on the surface or deep in the tissues of the leg, is likely to have more or less aching, and sometimes cramp, after long hours of standing. People with scrofulous or hardened arteries may suffer from severe cramp in one or both legs after walking a short distance. Sometimes the cramp is felt rather in the upper abdomen. It passes away after a brief rest, only to recur when walking is resumed.
For the aching and cramp from varicose veins, the obvious remedy is inversion. Lie on the back and elevate both legs against a wall for a few minutes three times a day. If there is a swelling after prolonged standing, support by an elastic stocking is required.
For the cramp due to arterial hardening (intermittent lameness) attention to the blood pressure and perhaps medicines which dilate the arteries may be a relief.
In both women and men, there are various diseases of the pelvic organs which may demand treatment in order to relieve leg cramp or annoying pain down one or both legs.
Plies and other rectal troubles will sometimes be accompanied by reflex pain down the legs or by cramp.
The pressure of the round hose supporters is occasionally a cause of aching in the legs in men.
Weak, pronounced or unturned ankles—the early stage of flat feet—may cause much aching in the waives and knees. The arch is not flat, arch props give no relief, but correction of the pronation overcomes the trouble.
In a few cases of locomotor ataxia, cramp in the legs are very severe, at irregular intervals, often at night. 