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Leg cramps

Lifestyle modifications

Lifestyle related risk factors 

  • Physical inactivity (2)

  • Prolonged sitting (2)

  • Excessive sweating without salt replacement (2)

  • Alcoholism (2)

  • Iron deficiency anemia (2)


Prevention 

  • Sleep with the foot in dorsal flexion (1)

  • Daily stretching exercises (2)

  • For sedentary people: Bike on a stationary bike before bedtime (2)

  • Avoiding dehydration (2)

  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine (2)

  • Vitamin B complex (2)

  • Vitamin E (800 E) before bed (2)


OTHER

  • Stretching, active or passive, of the affected muscle will in most cases stop the cramp (1)

  • Walking (2)

  • A hot shower (2)

  • Ice massage (2)

References

Resources

Evidence Pyramid

EXPLANATION TO EVIDENCE PRESENTATION

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Evidence based on guidelines and evidence based Clinical Decision Systems is written in BOLD

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Evidence based on meta analysis or systematic reviews is written in BOLD and CURSIVE

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Evidence based on randomized controlled trials is written in plain font

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Evidence based on observational / cohort studies is written in CURSIVE

Figure: Evidence pyramid

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