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

1) https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/569/management-approach

2) https://www.uptodate.com/contents/nocturnal-leg-cramps

Resources

EXPLANATION TO EVIDENCE PRESENTATION

Figure: Evidence pyramid

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

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

​Evidence based on randomized controlled trials is written in PLAIN font

​Evidence based on observational / cohort studies is written in CURSIVE font