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Leg Cramps

Simon B Griesbach, MD and Brian J Kroll, MD Reviewed 06/2022
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • A transient, self-limited, involuntary, unpredictable, painful shortening of skeletal muscle of the lower limbs that range in duration from seconds to minutes. Resolution of pain occ...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • History is key to an accurate diagnosis:

    • Random/sudden onset

    • Self-limiting

    • Muscle contractions

    • Pain

    • These symptoms are diagnostic of muscle cramps and differentiate from other...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Try non-pharmacologic treatments prior to medications. Both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments have limited evidence in reducing the frequency or severity of leg ...

ONGOING CARE

DIET

Avoid alcohol consumption, especially if over the age of 60. 

PROGNOSIS

Can cause severe pain and sleep disturbance affecting quality of life 

REFERENCES

1
Jansen PH, Gabree FM, Van Engelen BE. Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of muscle cramps: a clinical approach. J Clin Neuromusc Dis. 2000;4:89–94.
2
Allen RE, Kirby, KA. Nocturnal leg cra...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Blyton F, Chuter V, Walter KE, et al. Non-drug therapies for lower limb muscle cramps. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012;1:CD008496.

  • ...

CODES

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • True leg cramps are self-limiting, painful, contractions of skeletal muscle.

  • Diagnosis is made on the basis of history and physical examination.

  • Electrolyte balance and hydration status ...

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