Cramps (nocturnal cramps in legs)

Question 1

Precautions:

Answer 1

treat cause (if known), e.g.

• tetanus
• drugs
• sodium depletion
• hypothyroidism
• dehydration.

Question 2

Physical

Answer 2

Muscle stretching and relaxation exercises:

• stretch calf for 3 mins before retiring
• then rest in chair with the feet out horizontally to the floor with cushion under tendoachilles (10 mins)

Massage and heat to affected muscles

Try to keep bedclothes off feet and lower part of legs—use a doubled-up pillow at the foot of the bed

Tonic water before retiring may help

Question 3

Drugs

Answer 3

Usually unsatisfactory but consider:

Magnesium Co tab (e.g. ‘Crampeze’) or

Biperiden 2–4 mg nocte