Nocturnal leg cramps are sudden contractions of the lower leg and foot muscles. They often awaken you from sleep. The calf muscles are most often involved. The cramps are harmless. They do not mean that you have a serious disease.
Although the specific cause is unknown, these cramps may be related to imbalances in local muscle chemistry. Many activities and diseases are associated with nocturnal leg cramps:
The following factors increase your chance of developing nocturnal leg cramps:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Tests may include the following:
Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. If no specific cause can be found, treatment options include the following:
None of these medicines has earned full approval for either safety or efficacy. Quinine , while often effective to prevent cramps, has a significant risk of major allergic reactions. The other prescription medications carry risks as well. So they are not generally recommended. They are most often used in only severe cases.
To reduce your chance of getting nocturnal leg cramps, take the following steps:
RESOURCES:
Colorado Gerontological Society and Senior Answers and Services
http://www.senioranswers.org/
Postgraduate Medicine Online
http://www.postgradmed.com/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Family Physician
http://www.cfpc.ca/cfp/
Women's Health Matters
http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/
References:
Butler JV, Mulkerrin EC, O’Keeffe ST. Nocturnal leg cramps in older people. Postgrad Med J . 2002;78:596-598.
Leg cramps–unknown cause. Prodigy Knowledge, British National Health Service website. Available at: http://www.prodigy.nhs.uk/guidance.asp?gt=Leg%20cramps . Accessed September 14, 2005.
Leg disorders (restless legs syndrome and nocturnal cramps). New York Methodist Hospital website. Available at: http://www.nym.org/healthinfo/docs/095/doc95full.html . Accessed September 14, 2005.
Nocturnal leg cramps. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://dynaweb.ebscohost.com . Accessed June 8, 2008.
Pharmacologic management of nocturnal leg muscle cramps. Virtual Hospital, The University of Iowa website. Available at: http://www.vh.org/adult/provider/pharmacyservices/PTNews/1996/06.96.html . Accessed September 14, 2005.
Last reviewed January 2009 by Robert Leach, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.