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Leg cramps - unknown cause - Management
Basis for recommendation
CKS did not identify any national guidelines for the management of leg cramps in primary care. These recommendations are based on expert opinion from review articles [Miller and Layzer, 2005; Shaker et al, 2005].
- Idiopathic nocturnal leg cramps have a relatively benign natural history, with no serious complications. Most cases will resolve spontaneously [Salih, 2001].
- There are no controlled trials evaluating massage or stretching for acute cramps; nor evaluating sleeping positions for the prevention of cramps. However, some experts [Weiner and Weiner, 1980] believe such strategies are useful. Trials looking at massage and sleeping positions may be impractical.
- The evidence for stretching exercises to prevent leg cramps is limited to an observational study [Daniell, 1979] and one randomized controlled trial (RCT). The RCT showed no benefit for stretching exercises compared with non-stretching exercises at 12 weeks [Coppin et al, 2005], however the participants were already on quinine, limiting the generalizability of the findings. Exercises are safe and are considered by experts to be helpful to people with leg cramps [Postgraduate Medicine, 2002].
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