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Restless Leg Syndrome and Night Terrors01:27

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Diagnosis of Musculus Gastrocnemius Tightness - Key Factors for the Clinical Examination
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Leg cramps.

Gavin Young1

  • 1Temple Sowerby Surgery, Penrith, UK.

BMJ Clinical Evidence
|May 19, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This systematic review examines treatments for common involuntary leg cramps. Evidence on analgesics, supplements, and exercises was evaluated for effectiveness and safety.

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Area of Science:

  • Medical research
  • Evidence-based medicine
  • Systematic review

Background:

  • Involuntary, localized leg cramps commonly affect calf muscles, particularly at night.
  • Idiopathic leg cramps and leg cramps during pregnancy are prevalent conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the effects of various treatments for idiopathic leg cramps.
  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of interventions for leg cramps in pregnancy.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature search was conducted across major databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library) up to September 2008.
  • Included studies comprised systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and observational studies.
  • Harms alerts from regulatory agencies (FDA, MHRA) were also incorporated.

Main Results:

  • Twelve systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies met the inclusion criteria.
  • A GRADE evaluation assessed the quality of evidence for different interventions.
  • Data on the effectiveness and safety of numerous treatments were compiled.

Conclusions:

  • The review presents findings on the effectiveness and safety of interventions for leg cramps.
  • Interventions evaluated include analgesics, anti-epileptic drugs, mineral supplements, and stretching exercises.
  • Information is provided on treatments such as calcium salts, magnesium salts, quinine, and sodium chloride.