Prevalence & Impact: Common in older adults (40% of those over 50), nocturnal leg cramps can disrupt sleep, leading to fatigue and reduced quality of life.
Diagnosis:
Key differentiation from restless leg syndrome (RLS) is that RLS improves with movement.
Medication review is essential, as beta-agonists and potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone) can trigger cramps.
Treatment & Prevention:
Stretching exercises are the most effective preventive measure, significantly reducing frequency and severity.
Vitamin K2 supplementation (180 µg/d) showed significant cramp reduction in a recent randomized trial.
Taurine (2 g/d) reduced cramp frequency, severity, and duration in cirrhosis patients.
Quinine was once commonly used but is now restricted due to safety concerns.
Magnesium is frequently prescribed but lacks strong evidence for effectiveness.
Key Takeaway:Stretching exercises are the best preventive strategy, and vitamin K2 appears to be a promising and safe treatment.
