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Leg Cramps

Simon B Griesbach, MD Reviewed 04/2024
 


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 may...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • History is key to an accurate diagnosis:

    • Random/sudden onset

    • Self-limiting

    • Muscle contractions

    • Pain—pinpoint location, radiation

    • These symptoms are diagnostic of muscle cramps...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Nonpharmacologic treatments are preferred as first line.

  • Start with passive stretching of hamstrings and calves or massage (2)[B]. 

  • Consider a graded exercise program in indiv...

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
Allen RE, Kirby, KA. Nocturnal leg cramps. Am Fam Physician. 2012;86(4):350–355.
2
Herzberg J, Stevermer J. Treatments for Nocturnal Leg Cramps. Am Fam Physician. 2017;96(7):469B-469C.

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Garrison SR, Korownyk CS, Kolber MR, et al. Magnesium for skeletal muscle cramps. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020 Sep 21;9(9):CD009402.   ...

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.

  • Passive stretching of the affected limb m...

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