Summary
Background: Spontaneous, mainly nocturnal cramps in the feet and calf muscles occur occasionally to frequently in approx. 40 % of the population in Germany. They are usually caused by local perfusion disturbances resulting from a primary disorder, insufficient fluid intake or nutritional disturbances, such as inadequate electrolyte or vitamin intake. Evening physiotherapy, such as stretching exercises or using a massage roller to smooth out oedema, has proved to be efficacious.
Method: Drug-based prevention, e.g. quinine sulphate, should only be used if all other measures have been exhausted. A critical risk-benefit appraisal should also be conducted beforehand, as hazardous adverse reactions can occur in rare cases. A new approach is to influence the acid-base balance in order to prevent muscular hyperacidity. Seventy subjects were included in the post-marketing surveillance study.
Results: Initial results give cause for an optimistic assessment of cramp prevention by means of citrate and carbonate salts and vitamin B.
Discussion: These positive results still have to be confirmed in a controlled study.
Keywords
Calf muscle cramps - Active Nutrient
