Treatment of leg cramps in adults and children

Convulsive contraction of the muscles of the lower extremities most often occurs suddenly and at the most inopportune moment for this. In most cases, the cramp reduces the calf muscles, often the femoral muscles suffer, the cramp can cramp the fingers or foot, and in some cases it extends to the entire limb. The reasons for this are very different - from completely harmless positional to serious pathological. Accordingly, the treatment of cramps in the legs may be different. Solitary cases usually do not require treatment, and regular convulsions, especially nocturnal ones, may be a symptom of a pathological process.

Legs often reduce from physical overstrain, causing microtrauma of the muscle and overexcitation of the nervous tissue. A variant of the increased load on the legs is uncomfortable shoes - tight, narrow-nosed, with very high heels. Pregnant women are prone to cramps in the legs, often they are disturbed precisely in the second half of the pregnancy, when the stomach grows intensively and the load on the legs increases. A sharp change in temperature (cooling), for example, when swimming in open water, leads to seizures. There is nothing to treat in these cases, but there are many reasons that require examination and treatment: disturbances in the water and electrolyte balance in the body, deficiency of B vitamins, problems with cerebral and peripheral circulation or transmission of nerve impulses, tunnel neuropathies of the lower extremities, kidney pathologies and endocrine disorders, other diseases. Seizures can be caused by some medications.

Whatever they are provoked, you need to be able to give yourself first aid - relieve a cramp, since such a condition, in addition to the discomfort associated with pain, is fraught with a temporary inability to make certain movements, which can lead to injury and even death, for example, while staying in water.

What to do if your leg cramps?

In the field, especially while swimming, you have only your own body, part of which has failed. We need to take urgent action. In any case, the enslaved muscle must be relaxed and a rush of blood should be provided to it. How to relieve leg cramps quickly and in an uncomfortable position?

If you are swimming (usually in this case the calf muscle suffers), try to pull the toe of the affected leg to the lower leg as much as possible, as if stretching the leg with the heel forward. By the way, when rowing with your feet, try not to pull the toe, it is in this position that cramps often appear in the calf muscles. You can try to massage and even pinch in the place of enslavement with one hand, rowing with the other, change the style of swimming. The main thing is not to panic and immediately turn to the shore.

On firm ground, in addition to relaxation and pinch massage (intensive kneading), the ability to load the injured leg is added. For example, jump on a cramped leg, twist it, shift body weight from heel to toe and back, stand or walk on your heels, massage the enslaved muscle intensely, but gently, squeezing and unclenching your toes. The direction of movement during the massage should go towards the heart. The gastrocnemius and posterior femoral muscles are stretched when the cramped leg is placed on the heel and, bending down, try to touch its fingers with the corresponding hand.

If there is a support in the form of a wall nearby, which you can lean on with your hands, it is recommended that you slowly push up from it, making sure that the heels of the legs do not come off the ground, the knees are straightened, and the forearms are pressed tightly against the wall. The starting position of the body is parallel to the wall at arm's length (palms rest against the wall, feet are completely on the floor).

If a leg muscle cramped when you were walking or standing, it is recommended to sit down and stretch the injured limb forward, then stroke, rumple, pinch the place of enslavement and pain.

If a cramp is felt in the anterior femoral muscle, you can do the following exercise to stretch it: stand up and bend the affected leg back at the knee, clasping its toe with your hand, holding the support with the other hand. Pull the heel towards the buttock until the thigh muscles tense. You will feel the tension leaving the muscles.

To stretch the gluteal muscle, while sitting, pull the affected leg to the chest, holding it with one hand by the knee, with the other by the ankle. Then they take the toes with the corresponding hand and, without letting go, slowly and smoothly straighten the leg at the knee up, pressing the front of the thigh to the chest with the other hand.

If the victim is not alone, associates can be involved in providing first aid. They can help massage or gently pull on the foot of the affected limb. In this case, the patient is laid horizontally so that he rests with his healthy leg against a solid support (wall, tree). You need to pull the sore leg smoothly and without fanaticism.

What to do at home?

All the exercises and massage described above can be done with cramps while at home. In addition, at home, you can still apply heat and cold effects.

Heat helps to relax tight muscles. To do this, you can use a relaxing warm bath for the whole body or just for the legs, supplementing the procedure with a massage of the injured leg with an intense jet of water from the shower. You can warm up the cramped muscles of the lower limb with a terry towel soaked in hot water, a warm heating pad, a bag of heated salt or sand, put a mustard plaster or stick a pepper patch.

Cold is also used to relax the muscles. For example, a package with frozen food from the freezer is wrapped in a napkin and a stroking massage is performed on the sore spot.

You can walk barefoot on the cold floor - where there is no carpet, on tile, on the bottom of an empty metal bath. The colder the surface, the faster the cramped muscles will relax.

With regular night cramps near the bed, you can put a needle applicator. Waking up at night from discomfort and pain, immediately lower your legs from the bed, step on it and stomp if it brings your foot down; press the applicator to the shin or thigh, depending on the place where discomfort is felt.

Even when the spasmodic muscles have let go, residual pain can persist for a long time. What to do for pain after leg cramps? It is recommended to wipe the sore spot with something cold - a piece of ice, a wet cold napkin.

After a cramp in the legs, it is advisable to walk for some time in order to restore normal blood circulation in the limb. Also, warming up the affected area helps to get rid of pain after convulsions.

You can also relax the muscles and get rid of pain during and after a cramp with the help of medicines by taking a tablet of a non-steroidal analgesic. This can be done for a one-time elimination of the pain syndrome, but you should not engage in drug self-treatment for a long time. Painkillers for leg cramps are not particularly effective. With the help of massage and motor exercises, relieve spasm much faster. It will take at least 20-30 minutes for the pill to take effect. Therefore, it is worth using anesthetics in cases where convulsions occur regularly, last a long time and are difficult to stop with massage and exercises, and after them the pain syndrome persists for a long time. Painkillers are most often prescribed to patients with an unknown origin of discomfort to relieve residual pain along with therapeutic exercises and a course of physiotherapy.

With the regular occurrence of cramps in the legs, a disease that leads to the occurrence of muscle spasms should be treated, and under the supervision of a physician. It may refer to the competence of different specialists: neurologists, endocrinologists, urologists, traumatologists, vertebrologists and others. Therefore, various methods of treatment and drugs can be prescribed, which do not have a direct anticonvulsant effect.

Remedies for leg cramps

In most cases, the fastest way to stop leg cramps are non-drug methods - the development and stretching of the muscles. The skeletal muscles, which include the muscles of the legs, are most susceptible to the so-called "true" cramps, which, according to most experts, arise due to the overexcitability of the nerves that innervate the muscle tissue. The main provoking factor is muscle fatigue associated with unusual or too active physical activity, injuries, as well as prolonged muscle inactivity (the need to lie or sit in one position). Convulsions can appear not only directly during muscle tension, but also much later at rest. One-time situations can occur at any age, they do not require treatment.

Regularly occurring leg cramps may indicate a problem in the body - an imbalance in body fluids, loss of electrolytes, trace elements, dehydration. This may be due to medications such as diuretics, corticosteroids or birth control pills, venous insufficiency, chronic stress, thyroid disease. It is obvious that the treatment required is completely different. There are no universal remedies for leg cramps. Treatment is mainly used to eliminate the causes of muscle spasms - replenishment of electrolyte deficiency, stabilization of the nervous system, vascular tone, endocrine organs.

Anticonvulsants for leg cramps belong to different pharmacological groups. Special antiepileptic drugs for true cramps in the muscles of the lower extremities are not used. They have a specific effect on the brain and a lot of side effects. In no case should they be used independently to relieve seizures. If muscle relaxation with the help of non-drug manipulations, optimization of nutrition and hydration of the body does not help, it is necessary to be examined. Drug treatment must be prescribed and monitored by a doctor. Medications are prescribed in minimal doses and may be discontinued or replaced by others if there is no improvement. Treatment tactics may be reviewed and adjusted depending on the effectiveness of therapy.

Muscle relaxants for leg cramps

To relax the muscles, special drugs are used that can reduce increased muscle tension - muscle relaxants. Medicines of this group are not prescribed to all patients, but to those who suffer from chronic leg cramps that have arisen against the background of neurological, vascular or articular pathologies. Muscle relaxants do not eliminate the cause of muscle hypertonicity, but relieve tension and can prevent the onset of seizures. These drugs are auxiliary and are used to eliminate acute discomfort. Sometimes, for example, with coxarthrosis, they are prescribed together with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which reduce the inflammatory process and anesthetize.

However, if the cause of seizures is not identified, muscle relaxants alone cannot be dispensed with. First, long-term use of these drugs is undesirable. In addition to the usual side effects - skin reactions, nausea, dyspepsia, they can cause hypotension, drowsiness, fainting, unsteady gait, speech, accommodation, and breathing disorders. They relax not only the enslaved muscles of the legs, but also the entire muscles of the body, therefore, they affect all life processes. And exceeding the dose is fraught with respiratory depression and collapse. It is also possible to develop paradoxical effects, especially in cases of non-compliance with dosing recommendations.

In secondary convulsions, muscle relaxants of central action are used, that is, they directly affect the transmission of nerve impulses from the brain and spinal cord.

Pregnant women and nursing mothers should refrain from taking muscle relaxants.

Baclosan (baclofen) may be prescribed to reduce muscle tone and prevent the development of leg cramps. The drug is a derivative of the inhibitory mediator - γ-aminobutyric acid. Inhibition of excitatory reflexes under the action of the drug is carried out at the level of the spinal cord, which makes it effective for convulsions caused by problems with the spine (osteochondrosis, osteoarthritis, hernia, trauma). Spontaneous painful muscle contractions and hypersensitivity of the skin are reduced, but the transmission of neuromuscular impulses remains practically unchanged, as well as the amplitude of tendon reflexes. This expands the patient's ability to move independently and speeds up rehabilitation. At the same time, blocking the release of excitatory mediators, glutamate and aspartate, activation of the inhibitory mediator leads to an improvement in night sleep, a decrease in anxiety, but also some inhibition of reactions. Baclofen is canceled when allergy symptoms appear, do not prescribe to patients with porphyria and exacerbation of peptic ulcer. The medicine is taken, starting with the smallest dose, gradually bringing it to a therapeutically effective one. The treatment regimen is written individually. Treatment can be long and cannot be interrupted suddenly. Cancellation of the drug is carried out by a gradual decrease in the dose. In persons with serious problems from the nervous system and psyche, schizophrenia, obsessive, depressive, manic disorders, parkinsonism, seizures, epilepsy and others, the use of Baklosan can cause an exacerbation of the underlying disease.

The muscle relaxant Mydocalm for leg cramps of various origins can also be prescribed in acute and chronic cases. The active substance of the drug tolperisone hydrochloride inhibits the conduction of nerve impulses, relaxing the muscles and improving motor function. In addition, it exhibits a specific affinity for the tissues of nerve fibers and, in terms of chemical structure, resembles the anesthetic lidocaine, due to which effective pain relief is realized. The highest concentrations of the active ingredient are found in the cerebrospinal fluid and brain stem. Its pharmacological properties have not yet been fully elucidated, but it has been established that Mydocalm effectively reduces the hyperexcitability of the spinal cord, stabilizes the membranes of nervous tissue cells, improves peripheral blood circulation, and its main difference from other muscle relaxants is the absence of pronounced sedation, which is important with prolonged use of the drug. It does not cause lethargy and a decrease in concentration, as well as muscle weakness, so the patient who is forced to take Mydocalm does not lose his ability to work and can lead a normal active life. Its influence on the processes of hematopoiesis is also minimal. It goes well with non-steroidal analgesics and, in cases of their combined use, can significantly reduce the dose of the latter, which minimizes side effects from their use.

Mydocalm can be used for convulsions of alcoholic origin, since its active substance is not an alcohol antagonist. Due to its universal application, it is sometimes referred to as the "ideal muscle relaxant". However, there are contraindications to the use of the drug. It is not prescribed to infants; in pediatric practice, only tablet forms are used. It can cause allergic reactions like any other drug, although it is generally very well tolerated. It is not recommended for patients with diseases accompanied by muscle weakness. Teratogenic properties of tolperisone have not been identified, however, pregnant women are prescribed only for health reasons. During lactation, the safety of its use has not been confirmed or refuted, so it is also better to refrain from taking it.

Adults are prescribed tablets in a single dose of 50 mg, gradually increasing it to 100-150 mg. Reception two or three times. The filling of the stomach matters - the bioavailability of the drug improves after eating. Children are dosed according to body weight.

In cases of severe secondary convulsions, accompanied by a pronounced pain syndrome, adult patients may be prescribed Mydocalm injections, intramuscular (100 mg twice a day) or intravenous (slow jet injection of 100 mg once a day).

Cases of overdose are practically not known, increased irritability was observed in children when treated with high doses. It has been experimentally (on animals) found that overdose increases paradoxical side effects - convulsive syndromes, as well as muscle weakness, respiratory dysfunction up to paralysis.

To eliminate cramps in the legs, which are accompanied by acute pain, the drug Miorix (active ingredient - cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride) can be prescribed. This drug reduces or completely eliminates local skeletal muscle hypertonicity without significantly affecting muscle function itself. Studies show that the drug mainly acts at the level of the brain stem, and not the spinal, like Baklosan, extinguishing the excitation of motor peripheral motor neurons (α and γ). With convulsions associated with diseases of the central nervous system, it did not show itself effective. Treatment with Miorix is symptomatic, prescribed in addition to therapeutic exercises and temporary (a period of acute pain) restriction of motor activity. The course of treatment should not be longer than two to three weeks. It is taken once a day at about the same time, it is possible at night, especially since Miorix provides a sedative effect.

There are other medicines with a muscle relaxant effect. All of them are effective for spasms of skeletal muscles, however, they are by no means harmless. Their main side effect is a decrease in motor activity up to complete immobilization and respiratory arrest. This, however, occurs when non-compliance with medical recommendations regarding the use of the drug. Therefore, the right to choose a medicine, dosage and duration of administration remains with the doctor. Self-medication with muscle relaxants can be hazardous to health.

Magnesium supplements for leg cramps

One of the most important electrolytes, the deficiency of which causes the appearance of such a symptom as convulsions, is magnesium. It does not allow excess acetylcholine to accumulate in the synapse - it opens the channels of the presynaptic membrane, through which the reverse outflow to the end of the axon is carried out, which is not involved in the transmission of an electrical impulse to myocytes of acetylcholine. Magnesium deficiency leads to the fact that the channels do not open, and the neurotransmitter accumulates in excess in the synaptic cleft. This leads to an increase in electrical impulses that “order” the muscles to contract, that is, to the development of seizures.

There are many reasons for magnesium deficiency. Alimentary - a limited diet associated with diets, nutritional errors; increased consumption during stress, pregnancy, rapid growth, intense exercise, treatment with diuretics, oral contraceptives, vomiting and diarrhea; violation of digestion - pathologies of the intestines, endocrine organs, the use of incompatible products, etc. Magnesium deficiency has other symptoms, but convulsions, and at first it is in the lower extremities, developing with slight exertion, is one of the main signs that you should focus on. A biochemical blood test in this case is not a diagnostic marker. Even with a significant deficiency in the blood, the level of magnesium will be maintained to the last by removing it from other tissues (muscle, bone).

Magnesium from cramps in the legs is replenished with the help of vitamin and mineral complex preparations and correction of the diet. If a deficiency of this vital element for the body is expected, then it will not be possible to “eat” it quickly.

The most well-known complex preparation for compensating for magnesium deficiency is Magne-B6. It is produced by different manufacturers, in different dosages and forms (tablets, drinking ampoules). The magnesium-B6 combination for leg cramps is very successful. Substances mutually potentiate the pharmacological action of each other and increase bioavailability.

Pyridoxine hydrochloride or vitamin B6 enhances the absorption of magnesium and potentiates its action. In turn, this vitamin also has anticonvulsant activity, which increases in the presence of magnesium cations.

Various compounds are presented in the preparations - magnesium lactate dihydrate, magnesium citrate hydrochloride, and the second (organic) is considered more preferable and is used in the forte version with prolonged absorption and intracellular distribution in tissues.

Children from the age of one are often prescribed a drinking solution of Magne-B6 in ampoules, which are diluted in 100 ml of water. The solution has a pleasant caramel taste, it contains a fairly concentrated magnesium content. It is believed that in liquid form the active substance is absorbed faster and better, the level of magnesium in the body rises as early as two hours after ingestion.

Magnesium deficiency in the body can be filled with similar drugs. Magnelis-B6 can be prescribed for leg cramps - a synonym for the original French vitamin-mineral complex of only Russian production, respectively, and the effect is exactly the same. Available in tablets.

To eliminate magnesium deficiency, patients with intolerance to vitamin B6 or with its surplus can be prescribed Magnerot monodrug for leg cramps. The active ingredient is magnesium salt of orotic acid. Available in tablets containing 0.5 g of magnesium orotate.

Recommendations regarding the choice and regimen of the drug should be given by the doctor, depending on the level of the alleged deficiency. If deficiency symptoms do not improve after two to three weeks from the start of administration, it is necessary to reconsider the prescribed remedy. Side effects are usually limited to skin allergic reactions, and this happens extremely rarely. Even more rarely, there may be symptoms of indigestion.

There are also contraindications to taking magnesium preparations. These are intolerance to the active and auxiliary components of the drug, magnesium surplus, calcium deficiency, a tendency to form phosphate and calcium-magnesium stones in the urinary organs, severe renal dysfunction, atrioventricular block I-II degree and chronic pronounced slowing of the pulse.

Taking magnesium supplements may be indicated for pregnant women, but the appropriateness of it is determined by the doctor. Magnesium penetrates into breast milk, therefore, with a pronounced deficiency and the need to take it, the question of interrupting breastfeeding is considered.

Magnesium preparations have a mild sedative and hypotensive effect and potentiate similar effects of other drugs, which should be taken into account when performing work that requires increased concentration.

Other electrolytes and restoring their balance

No less important substances than magnesium are potassium, calcium and sodium. Their positively charged ions are involved in the conduction of nerve impulses to muscle tissue cells. For normal muscle function, it is necessary to have a strictly defined balance between the ions of these substances both inside the cell and in the intercellular space. Violation of the electrolyte balance leads to the fact that muscle contractions begin to occur from weak impulses, which under normal conditions would not excite myocytes. In addition, such impulses approach cells much more often than full-fledged ones, and due to a decrease in the excitability threshold, the muscle is constantly in good shape.

Potassium is found in the intracellular space in the form of ions and unstable compounds with phosphorus, proteins and carbohydrates. Normally, it is about 98% there, and a very small part (about 2%) of ionized potassium is contained in the intercellular space. This ratio is necessary to maintain the electrical potential of the myocyte membranes and ensures the normal functioning of the muscles. An intense release of ions from the cell occurs when it experiences hypoxia, protein compounds are destroyed, and glycogen breaks down. This happens both with significant physical exertion, and with physical inactivity, pathological metabolism due to diseases, dehydration, nutritional errors. This leads to an imbalance of potassium ions inside and outside the cell and affects the resting potential. Myocytes go into an excited state from the most insignificant impulses, tonic spasms occur.

Potassium preparations can in such cases help restore the disturbed balance and stop cramps in the legs. Hypokalemia is diagnosed when the serum potassium content does not reach 3.5 mmol/l. To stabilize its level in the body, Potassium-Normine tablets may be prescribed. Losses of potassium are possible with vomiting and diarrhea, corticosteroid therapy, diuretics and laxatives. Deficiency of this chemical element appears with excessive production of endogenous corticosteroid hormone.

Potassium preparations are contraindicated in sensitized patients, during an exacerbation of peptic ulcer, dehydration of the body, extensive traumatic damage to the skin surface, severe symptoms of renal failure - urination disorders, metabolic acidosis. Not recommended for patients with congenital muscle weakness.

For the treatment of potassium deficiency, the dose of administration is determined by its degree. One to six tablets per day may be prescribed. Overdose is fraught with hyperkalemia, which is manifested by muscle weakness and paresis, heart failure, loss of sensitivity, lowering blood pressure, depression and apathy.

However, more often the body loses potassium and magnesium at the same time. To eliminate the deficiency of these electrolytes, Asparkam can be prescribed for leg cramps. This is a complex preparation containing potassium and magnesium in the form of asparginate. Aspartic acid is present in all living organisms in free form and as part of proteins, due to the combination with it, potassium and magnesium ions in the form of complex salts penetrate well into the intracellular space and are included in the mechanism of muscle contraction at the molecular level. A complete synonym for the drug is Panangin, which can also be recommended to compensate for potassium and magnesium deficiency in leg cramps. Take one or two tablets three times a day. Caution in the appointment of potassium-magnesium therapy should be observed when the patient suffers from dehydration, he has impaired kidney function or extensive injuries with a violation of the integrity of the skin. In this contingent of patients during treatment, it is necessary to control the content of electrolytes, since the likelihood of developing hyperkalemia is quite high. In addition to hypersensitivity to medicinal components, a contraindication is severe renal failure, hypocorticism, blood pressure below 90 mm Hg. Art. And atrioventricular block.

Calcium also plays a major role in leg cramps, with spasmodic muscle contractions being one of the main symptoms of both calcium deficiency and excess. Violation of the balance of the cations of this substance in the extracellular space and inside the myocyte in any direction leads to its excitation up to the development of tetany. And with calcium deficiency, the sensitivity of sodium channels increases, which additionally leads to an imbalance of this electrolyte. The concentration of ionized calcium tends to change during the day. It reaches its highest values in the extracellular environment at night, at about 2-4 hours, which leads to an increase in membrane potential and the development of nocturnal seizures. This time coincides with the physiological decrease in blood glucose levels, which is an additional risk factor for their occurrence.

Calcium preparations help to fill the deficiency of this element and restore the electrolyte balance in the body. One of the cheapest and long-known drugs is calcium gluconate. It is the calcium salt of gluconic acid. Most often used in tablets. It is prescribed as a mineral supplement for calcium deficiency in the body. Calcium gluconate with leg cramps helps to normalize the transmission of nerve impulses, contractile activity of all types of muscles, improve blood formation and blood circulation. It is indicated for calcium deficiency and increased loss, vitamin D metabolism disorders. This drug can be taken by pregnant women and young children. It penetrates into breast milk, so nursing mothers are prescribed according to indications.

However, excess calcium also leads to undesirable effects. Hypercalcemia is manifested by poor health (weakness, drowsiness), digestive disorders, neurological symptoms (irritability, depressed mood), and heart disorders. Calcium salts can be deposited in the body, the blood becomes too thick - blood clots appear. Therefore, people prone to nephrourolithiasis and thrombosis, calcium supplements are contraindicated. Do not prescribe them to patients with severe lesions of the heart and kidneys. Do not combine with antibiotics of the quinolone and tetracycline series, iron preparations, fluoride, digitalis. Against the background of taking vitamin D, calcium absorption improves, therefore, without special indications, high doses of both drugs are not prescribed simultaneously.

When taking calcium, it should be borne in mind that its absorption improves the presence of protein and fat in food. With a magnesium deficiency, the elimination of calcium from the body is accelerated, so the lack of magnesium must also be compensated.

A single dose for adults can be up to six tablets per dose, depending on the degree of deficiency, children are prescribed depending on body weight. Elderly people are not prescribed more than four tablets per day.

Calcium chloride has not lost its relevance for leg cramps. It comes in an oral solution, and many find calcium absorption to be better in liquid form. Indications for use and contraindications are similar. Calcium chloride has a more pronounced local irritant effect - the solution is bitter, gluconate is more inert (tasteless). Adults take a tablespoon of the solution twice or thrice a day, children - one or two teaspoons.

There are now many other calcium preparations that are being marketed as more revolutionary in terms of absorption. For example, it is known that calcium is very well absorbed, which enters the body in the form of citrate, that is, calcium salts of citric or ascorbic acid, which contributes to excellent dissolution and absorption in the intestine. This is not to say that this is not the case, however, such chemical forms are important for people with low acidity (hypoacid, atrophic gastritis). They have a chance that the pill will enter the intestine unchanged. In this case, the compound formula matters.

For all other patients, this does not play a significant role. After all, before entering the intestines, the tablet first enters the stomach. In a person with normal or increased acidity, any calcium compound, reacting with hydrochloric acid, immediately turns into calcium chloride, which instantly decomposes into ions. In the basic environment of the intestine, calcium ions react with fatty acids from the food eaten, again forming sparingly soluble compounds.

More modern calcium preparations: balanced complexes with vitamin D3 (Calcium D3 Nycomed, Calcemin in various versions, Calcium D3 citrate), Calcium-osteovit - contains two forms of calcium (citrate and hydrophosphate) and, in addition to vitamin D3, ascorbic acid, retinol, pyridoxine. The Solgar complex, a food supplement in the form of syrup or tablets, may also be prescribed. Contains calcium, magnesium in the form of citrates and vitamin D3.

Sodium cations in the extracellular medium must also have a certain concentration. As soon as it becomes less than intracellular, water begins to penetrate into the cells, dilutes the concentration of potassium, and this leads to a decrease in the cellular resting potential and convulsions. Most often this happens with a deficiency of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) - the main chemical energy transporter. This substance is synthesized by cellular mitochondria and maintains its viability. In this case, injections of sodium adenosine triphosphate may be prescribed. They are administered intramuscularly on an outpatient basis, 1 ml once a day for the first two or three days of treatment, then the dose is increased to 2 ml and administered once or twice for another two weeks. Intravenous injections of ATP are done only in a hospital.

No-shpa for leg cramps

The popular antispasmodic Drotaverine or No-shpa can have a certain positive effect on leg cramps, however, you cannot call it the drug of choice. The drug effectively relieves spasms of smooth muscles, that is, the one that is lined with internal organs and blood vessels. On the bones of the skeleton are striated muscles. And if smooth ones contract and relax spontaneously, without external impulses, then skeletal ones - only according to signals coming from the central nervous system, that is, it is necessary to act directly on the brain or spinal cord. No-shpa does not have a direct effect on striated muscles, but it is able to expand blood vessels and improve blood flow to various tissues. Therefore, with convulsions in the lower extremities caused by insufficiency of peripheral circulation due to vasoconstriction, for example, after hypothermia, but-shpa can expand these vessels and, providing blood flow, eliminate the spasm.

The active substance of the drug inhibits the enzymatic activity of type IV phosphodiesterase, and its increased activity is observed in many diseases and inflammatory processes. Therefore, No-shpa, blocking the activity of this enzyme, can have an indirect anticonvulsant effect.

The drug does not eliminate the cause of seizures, but can be used as an ambulance at the same time as a physical effect on the enslaved muscle - rubbing, warm compress. With No-shpa, hypotensive patients, people with a sick heart and kidneys should be careful.

Wobenzym

Convulsions are briefly familiar to people with diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Degenerative-dystrophic processes of vertebral structures, articular pathologies, injuries predispose to an unnatural redistribution of the load on the legs, which leads to excessive muscle tension and the occurrence of convulsions.

Chronic venous insufficiency, recurrent phlebitis, thromboangiitis, varicose veins are also quite common, leading to venous blood stagnation and muscle hypertonicity. Symptoms of varicose veins are: swelling of the lower extremities, which is especially noticeable in the evening, accompanied by sensations of heaviness, pain and itching. The appearance of the legs also changes - spider veins appear on the skin, later connecting into a bluish mesh, thick twisted veins appear under the skin.

The complex enzymatic preparation Wobenzym, according to its manufacturers, has the ability to strengthen the immune system, reduce swelling and pain, and not only thin the blood, but also break down existing blood clots. Various enzymes that make up Wobenzym freely penetrate the circulatory system and are carried with the bloodstream to almost all tissues and organs, due to which it affects all biochemical processes occurring in the body.

The tablet has a shell that does not dissolve in the acidic environment of the stomach. Its destruction and absorption of the contents occurs in the intestine, through the wall of which the enzymes immediately enter the systemic circulation.

The composition of the drug contains pancreatin (a mixture of pancreatic enzymes of animal origin). These are proteases that break down protein molecules, starch molecules - amylases, which promote the absorption of fats, turning them into fatty acids and triglycerides, lipases.

Also in the composition of the drug there are plant enzymes papain (from papaya) and bromelain (from pineapple), which also break down proteins. Their action has not yet been reliably studied.

The vegetable glycoside rutin (rutoside) strengthens the walls of blood vessels, has a pronounced anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effect, prevents erythrocytes from sticking together and increases their elasticity. The angioprotector reduces congestion in the veins and promotes lymphatic outflow, which relieves pain and itching, swelling and convulsions in venous insufficiency disappear.

The proteolytic enzymes trypsin and chymotrypsin are similar in action and jointly catalyze the hydrolysis of proteins and peptones to low molecular weight peptides.

Wobenzym is recommended to be included in the complex treatment of many diseases of almost all organs, however, the effect of the drug has not been studied enough, so not all experts believe in its effectiveness. It is known how each component of the drug works by itself, but their combined effects are practically not established, there are no authoritative studies of the drug's action. At the very least, it takes a long time to take pills to get a noticeable result - three to ten pills three times a day. First, they take a therapeutic dose for two or three weeks, then for another two or three months, half the maintenance dose. The tablets are swallowed whole before meals, washed down with a sufficient amount of water, then after half an hour they take food.

Wobenzym thins the blood, so it should not be taken by people who are prone to bleeding. It is also contraindicated in kidney disease that necessitates hemodialysis. The drug is tolerated very well, there is no information about the undesirable consequences of overdoses or addiction. Rare side effects are limited to a rash, and the appearance of feces may change. There is evidence that at the beginning of treatment, the symptoms of the disease may worsen. This is a normal phenomenon that does not require discontinuation of treatment, which quickly passes. For pregnant and lactating women, the drug is prescribed only by a doctor.

Clinically significant negative interactions with other drugs have not been identified. It can level the side effects of taking antibiotics (dysbacteriosis) and enhance their effect. Also, against its background, treatment with glucocorticosteroids and cytostatics is easier to tolerate.

Injections for leg cramps

In severe cases, with severe pain during or after seizures, with the ineffectiveness of oral forms, they resort to injectable forms of drugs - painkillers, anti-inflammatory, vitamin. Many patients and doctors believe that injections help to quickly get rid of discomfort, and the bioavailability of the active substance delivered parenterally is higher. In fact, this applies to intravenous injections. In this case, the drug enters directly into the blood and its action occurs instantly. But intravenous injections are usually prescribed to patients in a hospital setting, where their condition can be constantly monitored.

Intramuscular injections, which are performed on an outpatient basis, are not considered by modern medicine to be much more effective than pills. The therapeutic effect of taking the drug delivered by the last two methods occurs almost simultaneously (if you follow the instructions for taking it), and side effects usually develop to the same extent. Moreover, it is currently recommended to give preference to oral dosage forms.

However, there are times when it is necessary to resort to injections. Painkillers may be prescribed for leg cramps. Usually they resort to drugs of the NSAID group, for example, ketorolac (ketanov). An injection of this drug relieves pain in about a quarter to half an hour, the average duration of analgesic action is four to six hours.

For diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system, Mydocalm injections can be prescribed. In addition to analgesic, this drug also has a central muscle relaxant effect. The analgesic effect of tolperisone is complemented by lidocaine, which is the second component of the injection solution. It is a good conductor of the main active ingredient, potentiates the analgesic effect and makes the injection itself less painful. Mydocalm injections can be done both intramuscularly and intravenously.

With a significant deficiency of electrolytes, intravenous administration of mineral preparations can be prescribed: gluconate or calcium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium preparations. Injections are given slowly, sometimes drip infusions are prescribed. Intravenous injections are prescribed in situations requiring the rapid elimination of insufficiency and symptoms associated with it, in particular, spasmodic muscle tone.

Injectable forms are designed to quickly replenish electrolyte deficiency in case of insufficient intake or increased consumption and convulsions caused by this condition. This is possible with hyperexcitability of the nervous system in epileptics, after a stroke, injuries and intoxications, ventricular arrhythmias, in pregnant women with preeclampsia, eclampsia, the threat of premature delivery, in other cases. The need for injection elimination of electrolyte deficiency is determined by the doctor, who also prescribes doses and methods of therapy.

Magnesia for leg cramps, administered intravenously, provides an almost instantaneous anticonvulsant, as well as a calming and vasodilating effect. However, it does not last long - about 30 minutes. An intramuscular injection of the drug acts in about an hour, but the duration of action is at least four hours.

In addition to all these actions, magnesia has a laxative, choleretic and moderate diuretic effect.

Magnesia in solution is pure magnesium sulfate without any additional components. Magnesia is most often administered intramuscularly, the dose is calculated so that 500 mg of magnesia falls per kilogram of the patient's weight. The injections are painful, but this method is considered optimal.

Intravenous administration is practiced only in cases of urgent need, drip or very slowly in a stream. Almost always, magnesium sulfate is diluted with solutions of glucose or sodium chloride. The introduction of the drug directly into the blood gives an instant effect, but side effects are also not long in coming. And they are manifested by the oppression of the work of the heart and the central nervous system up to the development of coma and death.

The Milgamma vitamin complex is considered by modern medicine not so much as a compensatory remedy for vitamin deficiency conditions, but as a drug that relieves pain and night cramps in the legs with various types of chronic neuropathies and manifestations of dystrophic changes in the spinal column, as well as in acute conditions (trauma, postoperative conditions, stress). Its action has not yet been fully explained, however, the effects are undoubted and, perhaps, it is the saturation of the body with vitamins B1, B6 and B12 that helps to stop seizures. The ampoule of the injection solution contains 100 mg of the first two vitamins and 1 mg of vitamin B12. The compatibility of these components provides potassium hexacyanoferrate. In liquid form, this component dissociates into potassium ions and ions of complex iron cyanide, which prevents the breakdown of vitamin B1 under the action of metabolic products B6 and B12. The injection solution also contains lidocaine hydrochloride (20 mg), which provides pain relief at the time of injection and faster delivery of the active substance to the systemic circulation (conduction effect). In acute conditions, daily intramuscular injections of one ampoule are usually prescribed. The course is usually ten days. In cases of chronic seizures, such as diabetic polyneuropathy or spinal prolapse, courses of treatment are periodically repeated.

Antispasmodic injections can be prescribed, for example, No-shpa or ATP, a decrease in the concentration of which can also cause seizures. The expediency of injection therapy should be determined by the doctor. Modern medicine considers injections as a last resort, preferring more gentle methods of treatment.

Topical remedies for leg cramps

Ointments and gels for leg cramps help by improving local blood circulation. Firstly, when the patient rubs the drugs into the skin of the legs, he does this with massage movements. Secondly, external agents have a temperature effect, warm up or cool down.

For cramps in the legs, various ointments and gels are used. For example, Troxevasin gel. It is prescribed for convulsive contractions of the calf muscles of unknown origin, as well as for patients with venous insufficiency, various stages of varicose veins and thrombophlebitis, and injuries. The drug improves microvascular perfusion, activates blood circulation, and has an antioxidant effect. It is a mixture of bioflavonoids. It is allowed to be used by pregnant and lactating women. It can cause allergic reactions and is not recommended for long-term use in patients with renal pathologies. It is not applied to the damaged surface of the skin.

The gel is smeared with a thin layer in the morning and at bedtime at the site of seizures and rubbed until completely absorbed.

Phleboton, Troxegel, Troxerutin have a similar effect.

In addition, you can use warming ointments and creams for leg cramps:

• Apizatron: the main component of the ointment is bee venom obtained from living insects, which is well absorbed through the surface of the skin and acts multilaterally (warms, reduces inflammation, improves blood circulation and detoxification, eliminates hypoxia), the effects are enhanced by other components - NSAIDs methyl salicylate and aliisothiocyanate;
• Zhivokost cream: contains comfrey extract in combination with various components - bee venom, chondroitin, bear bile, bischofite, etc.;
• Shark oil cream for leg cramps - it can be with different additives, you need to choose the appropriate underlying pathology (Shark fat and ginger or with leeches - directly from cramps associated with muscle strain, with acacia - for varicose veins and venous insufficiency, with glucosamine and chondroitin - with arthrosis and so on);
• ointment Kapsikam with turpentine oil and many others.

There are many reviews that ordinary pharmaceutical glycerin helps with leg cramps. They simply rub the places that cramp and, they say, they pass. Official medicine does not really explain this method of treatment. Perhaps the effect of foot massage with glycerin just works. Perhaps this method is more from the category of alternative prescriptions using ready-made products that can be bought at any pharmacy.

These include a patch for leg cramps. For example, you can stick a pepper or mustard plaster on the cramped surface of the leg. In addition, to eliminate discomfort, some use the usual mustard plaster.

Vitamins for leg cramps

Leg cramps can appear from beriberi and anemia. Such conditions are often caused by a deficiency of B vitamins, the role of which in hematopoiesis and the functioning of the nervous system can hardly be overestimated. Basically, these are vitamins B1, B6, B12. They can be pricked individually (this method is considered the most effective). Injections are made once a day, every day - one vitamin. You can prick a complex solution, in particular, Milgamma, which was discussed above. But such treatment should be prescribed by a doctor after examination.

B vitamins, along with vitamins A, D and E, magnesium, potassium, calcium and other useful substances contain various vitamin-mineral complexes, some of which were mentioned above. With cramps in the legs, the doctor will help you choose the right one, based on the results of the examination.

Vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid for leg cramps can also be prescribed, since its deficiency often leads to their occurrence. The lack of this vitamin affects the condition of the skin, nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. A significant deficiency is manifested by the "three D disease" (dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia) - pellagra. Dermatitis is provoked by sunlight. In addition, the patient usually does not sleep well, gets tired quickly, his appetite worsens and constantly loose stools, and he also becomes irritable, aggressive and very forgetful. In addition to high doses of nicotinic acid, other B vitamins are also prescribed - B1, B6, B9, B12. Such a disease most often affects chronic alcoholics, people with diseases of the digestive tract or undergoing long-term therapy with drugs that prevent the absorption of these vitamins, working hard physically and eating poorly at the same time. Contraindications to the appointment of nicotinic acid is its intolerance, decompensated hypertension, glaucoma.

Askorutin with cramps in the legs helps to strengthen the walls of blood vessels, eliminate their fragility and prevent the formation of blood clots, significantly improving blood circulation in the lower extremities. Taking this drug containing rutin and vitamin C helps to get rid of numbness and cramps at night with the development of chronic venous insufficiency and in the initial stages of superficial thrombophlebitis. Askorutin helps to get rid of cramps in the legs, provoked by wearing uncomfortable shoes, in particular, stilettos. In addition to cramps, it is possible to get rid of swelling, heaviness and pain in the legs. It is not recommended to take a vitamin preparation with increased blood clotting, reduced potassium content, increased calcium, the formation of oxalate stones, gout. Long-term treatment and high doses of the drug can be taken only for medical purposes.

Physiotherapy treatment

Physiological effects on the body can be a valuable addition to drug treatment, optimized nutrition and hydration. Depending on the state of health of the patient, he can be offered a very wide range of physiological procedures using direct and alternating electric current, electromagnetic waves, thermal procedures, laser equipment.

Massage for leg cramps helps to get rid of the cramps themselves and prevent their occurrence in the future. Persons who do not have permanent contraindications, that is, mental disorders that make it impossible to fulfill certain behavioral requirements, and severe symptoms of thrombophlebitis and varicose veins, can resort to various types of professional massage, relaxing or tonic. Regular visits to a specialist will help normalize blood circulation in the lower extremities, improve lymph outflow and eliminate edema, develop supporting muscles and the articular-ligamentous apparatus and improve their mobility. With the help of massage, you can correct the consequences of injuries, flat feet, improve well-being with arthritis, arthrosis, venous insufficiency.

Temporary contraindications to massage are exacerbations of chronic diseases, the presence of damage to the integrity of the skin, increased bleeding, menstruation in women. Massage is not performed on patients with acute symptoms, such as fever or blood pressure, in the presence of neoplasms.

Acupressure can also help with leg cramps. With it, you can get rid of the underlying disease. On the surface of the feet there are many receptors, acting on which causes reflex reactions of all organs. By stimulating certain points, a good reflexologist can achieve a real improvement in the patient's health and relieve him of leg cramps. Acupressure of the legs normalizes the hormonal status, improves the functioning of the immune system and internal organs.

Physiotherapy helps to get rid of excess weight, physical inactivity, cope with convulsions and prevent their occurrence in the future. Under the guidance of an instructor, you can learn some exercises for leg cramps, then practice them yourself at the end of the day to relax your muscles and relieve daytime stress caused by prolonged sitting, standing, walking in uncomfortable shoes.

Gymnastics with leg cramps is one of the main directions of their prevention. Together with proper nutrition and the use of the required amount of fluid, it can relieve the patient of discomfort without the use of drugs, if its appearance is not associated with a serious systemic disease. True, in this case, you will have to make some efforts. And drug treatment alone without a physical effect on the muscles of the body will not allow you to get rid of the problem for a long time.

Alternative Treatment

It is quite possible to get rid of convulsions that do not arise due to illness with the help of the centuries-old experience of ancestors. Alternative prescriptions for leg cramps are often very simple. Sometimes it is not entirely clear how the alternative remedy works, but nevertheless, each of them has many fans who claim that with its help they managed to forget about cramps forever.

The simplest and most skeptical recipe concerns the use of a fragrant bar of toilet soap. It is recommended to put it under a blanket at night in the area of the location of the lower extremities. And that's it! Connoisseurs of this method claim that you will forget about discomfort. Only soap must be fragrant. What kind of smell it should exude is not specified. Apparently it doesn't matter. Experts believe that the soap for leg cramps acts like a placebo. The patient is worried, waiting for a cramp, but put a bar of soap, calmed down, believed and fell asleep peacefully.

Moreover, a bar of soap in bed (sometimes in socks) also helps with other pains - with bursitis, arthritis, arthrosis, restless leg syndrome. It's hard to believe, but it won't be hard to try.

If a cramp seized the leg during the day, you can attach a bar of soap to the sore spot. They say she will pass. Another popular first aid method is to hold a metal object in the appropriate hand.

You can constantly wear a copper wire bracelet on a leg prone to muscle spasms.

Other recipes for leg cramps are more complex. At the very least, you need to get the ingredients, there is always soap in the household.

For example, collect onion peels and make tea from it every morning. Onion peel helps with leg cramps not immediately, but about two months after the start of therapy (lasting effect). People who tried this method of treatment managed to normalize their blood pressure along the way, stabilize their eyesight. Within a year of such therapy, the vascular network on the calves disappears. Many people note the strengthening of immunity - they began to get sick less, chronic coughing went away, the work of the heart and digestion stabilized.

Lemon also helps with leg cramps. It is used as an external agent. The recipes are a little different. The simplest - every day for ten days, going to bed, you need to carefully lubricate both heels with a piece of lemon from the bottom and side to the bone. Let the juice applied for the first time dry, then repeat the procedure and leave it until the morning. In some sources, it is recommended to lubricate the place of cramps - calves, thighs, feet.

Similarly, you can use heated liquid honey (wrap your feet after application), mustard oil, 6% apple cider vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar for leg cramps is also taken orally. It helps eliminate potassium deficiency, prevents dehydration. The drink is prepared simply: a tablespoon of natural apple cider vinegar is diluted in a glass of warm boiled water. Drink this drink every night before going to bed. As a drink option: dilute in a glass of warm water one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and honey with the addition of a tablespoon of calcium lactate (food additive E327).

B vitamins are fully represented in brewer's yeast. They can be “obtained” in liquid natural form at breweries and private breweries; brewer’s yeast in capsules is sold in pharmacies without additives and with additives, in particular, with minerals and vitamins. In some cases, a course of brewer's yeast helps with leg cramps.

Any alternative medicine does not bypass herbal treatment. Herbal medicine uses sedative herbs and fees in the fight against cramps, if it is understood that they arose against a background of stress. These are lemon balm, mint, thyme, peony, motherwort, valerian root.

With venous insufficiency, a tincture of horse chestnut fruits is used. It is made with vodka or apple cider vinegar and is used externally for rubbing into spasms before going to bed. Rubbed without fanaticism, bottom-up. Preparation of tincture: ripe chestnut fruits are split, crushed into several pieces and poured up to half a three-liter jar. Pour any of the two liquids to the brim of the jar and infuse in a dark place at room temperature for two weeks.

An ointment is made from celandine juice with petroleum jelly in a ratio of 1:2. It is rubbed into places prone to cramps before going to bed. The course of treatment is two weeks.

They drink linden tea with honey, an infusion of birch buds, chamomile, and tartar from leg cramps.

Homeopathy

Since convulsions are caused by various reasons, almost the entire arsenal of homeopathic remedies is used to eliminate them, and the treatment is aimed at eliminating the underlying pathology. Although sometimes in acute cases, symptomatic help is also provided.

For nocturnal cramps, use Agaricus (Amanita muscaria), Calcarea carbonica (Carbonated lime), Hyoscyamus (Black henbane), Nux vomica (Vomit nut), Sulfur (Sulfur) if it reduces the feet, toes and soles; Ambra (Contents of the intestines of the sperm whale), Arsenicum album (White arsenic), Kali carbonicum (Potassium carbonate), Sepia (Contents of the black cuttlefish bag) - thigh muscles; Lycopodium (White club moss), Pulsatilla (Sleep-grass), Strontiana carbonica (Strontium carbonate) gastrocnemius.

When prescribing treatment, not only the localization of seizures is of great importance, but also the time of their onset, the severity of pain, other symptoms and characteristics of the patient. With the correct prescription of the drug, it is usually possible to get rid of not only the painful symptom, but also generally normalize the work of the whole organism.

Surgery

Operations are resorted to only in extreme cases, if the convulsions are very painful, are not subject to conservative treatment and cannot be stopped. They do not operate directly on muscles that have been cramped, but surgically eliminate the cause of this condition - a neoplasm, vertebral hernia, and prosthetize a destroyed and irreparable joint.

Surgical treatment is carried out with ischemia of the lower extremities - the volume and type of operation is determined by the nature of the lesions of the venous system. Treatment usually consists of removing varicose veins through pinpoint punctures. In more severe cases, special endoscopic equipment is used.

Nutrition for leg cramps

Correction of the daily menu in order to increase in the diet foods rich in magnesium, potassium, calcium, B and D vitamins can help eliminate the deficiency of essential electrolytes caused by nutritional reasons. It is also recommended to optimize the diet for convulsions caused by chronic pathologies. It is best to consume vitamins and minerals from food. You will not earn hypervitaminosis in this way, the body will simply remove the excess.

Eat more green leafy vegetables. They almost always contain all the necessary electrolytes (magnesium, potassium, calcium), at least two of them, as well as vitamin B6, which is necessary for the absorption of magnesium. Most of them contain a lot of iron, folic acid, vitamin C. Leg cramps do not threaten lovers of green salads seasoned with vegetable oil (vitamin E). All types of cabbage, spinach, lettuces, green onions, parsley, dill are not rare and scarce for our zone. Salads go well with a piece of meat, liver, sea fish, which also contain a lot of anticonvulsant components.

Carrots, tomatoes, cherries, currants, apples, apricots, watermelon, legumes, nuts, seeds and dried fruits, dark chocolate and natural cocoa powder are rich in essential minerals and vitamins.

Dairy products, and not fat-free, but whole, are a source of easily digestible calcium and proteins. They also contain potassium. Sour-milk products prevent the development of dysbacteriosis, heal the intestinal microflora and improve the absorption of useful anticonvulsant components from all food eaten.

Vitamin D, which promotes the absorption of calcium, is found in egg yolks, cod liver, and butter. An endogenous vitamin is produced in the body under the influence of sunlight, and it does not need to be in the sun for a long time. Ten minutes a day is enough.

The list of products can be continued indefinitely, however, it is individual. It is necessary to take into account tolerance - allergic reactions to food products occur, with certain diseases, some products are prohibited. However, in any case, you can choose the right diet. Professional nutritionists can help with this.

At the same time, it is necessary to prevent dehydration of the body, that is, to consume a sufficient amount of pure non-carbonated water. On hot days and during physical exertion, the amount of water you drink should increase. For each organism, this indicator is also individual, you need to listen to your desires and satisfy them.

The consumption of electrolytes increases the consumption of coffee, alcohol, taking diuretics and laxatives, this should be taken into account when making a menu for every day.

Prevention

Eat a varied diet and make sure that the daily diet contains foods rich in magnesium, potassium, calcium, and vitamins.

Drink enough liquid, increase the daily dose in hot weather, making up for losses.

Keep your body weight normal, go in for sports, but without fanaticism, give your body feasible loads.

Wear comfortable shoes every day, but if you had to walk during the day in tight shoes or high heels, in the evening you need to take care of tired feet - do a light massage, a bath with herbal infusion, simple gymnastics. Then there is every reason to hope that the night will pass peacefully.

Give up bad habits, do not abuse coffee and tea.

Monitor your health, if symptoms of trouble appear, consult a doctor.

Forecast

Seizures are unpleasant, but not fatal in most cases. Getting rid of them is also, basically, easy with the help of massage and relaxing exercises. Regular convulsions can be a symptom of pathological changes in the body, but with timely access to a doctor, most of the causes that cause such a symptom are completely eliminated or controlled.