Muscle cramps

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Muscle Nerve. 2005 Oct;32(4):431-42.

Muscle cramps.

TM, Layzer RB.

Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego,

9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0670, USA.

Muscle cramps are a common problem characterized by a sudden,

painful, involuntary contraction of muscle. These true cramps, which

originate from peripheral nerves, may be distinguished from other

muscle pain or spasm. Medical history, physical examination, and a

limited laboratory screen help to determine the various causes of

muscle cramps. Despite the " benign " nature of cramps, many patients

find the symptom very uncomfortable. Treatment options are guided

both by experience and by a limited number of therapeutic trials.

Quinine sulfate is an effective medication, but the side-effect

profile is worrisome, and other membrane-stabilizing drugs are

probably just as effective. Patients will benefit from further

studies to better define the pathophysiology of muscle cramps and to

find more effective medications with fewer side-effects