
9 The focus of this column is benign idiopathic leg cramps, although they can be associated with other underlying conditions. 8 Idiopathic leg cramps are common, short-lived, and usually involve the calf muscle and/or the foot and thigh. Exercise-associated leg cramps during or immediately after exercise 7Ĭommon risk factors for muscle spasms specific to older adults include strenuous exercise (idiopathic), hemodialysis, and cirrhosis.Benign idiopathic leg cramps in the absence of a causative disorder, typically at night, and.5,6 The most common types of leg cramps, however, are: 2-4Ĭertain medications (e.g., diuretics, angiotensin II receptor blockers, stimulants, cisplatin TABLE 1) have been reported to cause leg cramps in some individuals, and muscle cramps are reported in as many as 35% to 86% of patients receiving hemodialysis. 1 Approximately 20% of patients who experience leg cramps have symptoms on a daily basis, to the extent that it prompts them to seek medical attention. 1 Nocturnal leg cramps, slightly more common in women, are reported by 50% to 60% of adults prevalence increases with age.

The recurrent painful muscle tightening usually occurs in the calf muscles and not only can disturb sleep but can cause secondary insomnia.

#FLEXIRIL FOR NOCTURNAL LEG CRAMPS TREATMENT HOW TO#
It may also be particularly troublesome when there is no awareness as to how to effectively intervene to mitigate this lower-limb muscle spasm and prevent it from reoccurring. Waking up abruptly from sleep due to an acutely painful leg cramp can be a jolting experience.
