title: [Differential diagnosis and treatment of cramps].
abstract: Cramps are painful sensations caused by intense involuntary contractions of skeletal muscles, mostly in the calves, usually lasting from a few seconds to several minutes. Although cramps are mostly idiopathic, theycan bea symptom of other forms of myalgia, restless legs syndrome or spasticity. Especially nocturnal cramps can cause considerable distress for patients requiring fast pain reduction and effective prophylaxis. Stretching the calf muscles helps preventing nocturnal cramps. Pharmacological treatment of leg cramps includes magnesium and quinine.
authors.forename: H C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Diener
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Westphal
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008274:Magnesium / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009120:Muscle Cramp / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D052580:Muscle Stretching Exercises; D017286:Polysomnography; D011247:Pregnancy; D011803:Quinine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D011803:Quinine; D008274:Magnesium