Skurcze mięśni nóg – Epidemiologia

Skurcze mięśni nóg
Epidemiologia

Skurcze mięśni nóg są powszechnym problemem zdrowotnym, dotykającym około 30% populacji ogólnej, z nasileniem dolegliwości u osób powyżej 50. roku życia (40-56%) i szczególnie u seniorów powyżej 80 lat (około 50%). Nocne skurcze stanowią około 75% przypadków, a ich występowanie koreluje z wiekiem, współistniejącymi chorobami (m.in. choroby układu sercowo-naczyniowego, neurologiczne, metaboliczne, niewydolność nerek i wątroby) oraz stosowaniem niektórych leków (diuretyki, statyny, β2-agoniści, doustne środki antykoncepcyjne). Skurcze te znacząco wpływają na jakość życia, powodując zaburzenia snu, ograniczenie mobilności i pogorszenie funkcjonowania codziennego. Diagnostyka opiera się głównie na obrazie klinicznym, z siedmioma kluczowymi cechami różnicującymi skurcze od zespołu niespokojnych nóg i okresowych ruchów kończyn podczas snu.

Epidemiologia i występowanie skurczów mięśni nóg

Skurcze mięśni nóg to powszechny problem zdrowotny, dotykający znacznej części populacji. Występowanie tych dolegliwości jest zróżnicowane w zależności od wieku, płci oraz współistniejących chorób. W populacji ogólnej skurcze mięśni nóg dotyczą około 30% osób, przy czym około 24% zgłasza łagodne dolegliwości, a około 6% cierpi na umiarkowane do ciężkich objawy, występujące 1-5 razy w miesiącu.¹²

Zależność od wieku

Występowanie skurczów mięśni nóg wyraźnie koreluje z wiekiem:¹²

W populacji osób powyżej 50. roku życia skurcze nocne występują u około 40% osób¹²
Wśród osób powyżej 60. roku życia częstość występowania wzrasta do 46-56%¹²
Aż 33% osób powyżej 60. roku życia doświadcza skurczów nóg co najmniej raz na dwa miesiące¹
W grupie osób powyżej 80. roku życia skurcze dotyczą około 50% populacji¹

W przypadku dzieci i młodzieży około 7% populacji zgłasza nocne skurcze mięśni nóg.¹² Szczyt występowania w tej grupie przypada na wiek 16-18 lat, przy czym nie odnotowano przypadków u dzieci poniżej 8. roku życia. Skurcze u dzieci są zazwyczaj łagodne, samoograniczające się i występują rzadko.¹²

Różnice płciowe

Dane dotyczące zależności między płcią a występowaniem skurczów mięśni nóg są niejednoznaczne. Niektóre badania sugerują brak preferencji płciowej w ogólnej populacji,¹ podczas gdy inne wskazują na częstsze występowanie u kobiet.¹² W badaniu przeprowadzonym w Sao Paulo w Brazylii zaobserwowano wyższą częstość skurczów nóg wśród kobiet (stosunek mężczyzn do kobiet 1:1,8).¹ Jednak w późniejszych badaniach nie potwierdzono związku między płcią a występowaniem nocnych skurczów nóg.¹

Lokalizacja i charakterystyka czasowa

Około 75% zgłaszanych przypadków skurczów mięśni nóg występuje w nocy.¹ W populacji ogólnej około 83% skurczów występuje w obrębie nóg, z czego 73% pojawia się w nocy.¹ W przypadku dzieci aż 73% doświadcza skurczów wyłącznie podczas snu, a pozostali także w czasie czuwania. Skurcze u dzieci są jednostronne w niemal 99% przypadków, występują 1-4 razy w roku, a każdy epizod trwa średnio 1,7 minuty, pozostawiając tkliwość utrzymującą się około pół godziny.¹

Czynniki ryzyka i grupy szczególnie narażone

Grupy ryzyka

Poza zależnością od wieku, istnieją specyficzne grupy populacyjne szczególnie narażone na występowanie skurczów mięśni nóg:¹²

Kobiety w ciąży – około 30-81% kobiet w ciąży doświadcza nocnych skurczów, szczególnie po 25. tygodniu ciąży¹²
Sportowcy i osoby pracujące w warunkach wysokiej temperatury (np. strażacy)¹
Osoby z zaburzeniami metabolicznymi – 50% pacjentów z mocznicą i 20-50% osób z niedoczynnością tarczycy zgłasza skurcze mięśni¹
Osoby prowadzące siedzący tryb życia – zaobserwowano silny związek między siedzącym trybem życia a występowaniem nocnych skurczów nóg¹
Pacjenci z chorobą nowotworową – zarówno sam nowotwór, jak i jego leczenie mogą powodować skurcze nóg¹

Choroby współistniejące

Skurcze mięśni nóg występują częściej u osób z określonymi schorzeniami:¹²³

Choroby układu sercowo-naczyniowego, w tym obwodowa choroba tętnic
Choroby neurologiczne, w tym choroba Parkinsona, radikulopatia lędźwiowa i stenoza kanału kręgowego
Schorzenia metaboliczne, w tym cukrzyca, zaburzenia elektrolitowe (szczególnie hipokaliemia i hipokalcemia)
Niewydolność nerek i wątroby, marskość wątroby
Choroby naczyniowe, w tym niewydolność żylna i żylaki kończyn dolnych
Choroby reumatologiczne, w tym zapalenie stawów
Depresja

W badaniu przekrojowym u pacjentów z objawami stenoz kanału kręgowego lędźwiowego (LSS) nie wykazano jednak istotnej statystycznie różnicy w częstości występowania nocnych skurczów nóg w porównaniu z grupą bez typowych objawów LSS, co sugeruje, że sam LSS może nie być bezpośrednią przyczyną skurczów.¹

Leki jako czynniki ryzyka

Stosowanie niektórych leków może zwiększać ryzyko wystąpienia skurczów mięśni nóg:¹²

Diuretyki
Statyny – inhibitory reduktazy 3-OH-3 metyloglutarylo-koenzymu A, używane do obniżania poziomu cholesterolu we krwi, mogą powodować uporczywe bóle mięśni i skurcze
β₂-agoniści stosowane jako leki rozszerzające oskrzela
Doustne środki antykoncepcyjne
Winkrystyna – skurcze sygnalizują wczesną neurotoksyczność
Inhibitory cholinoesterazy
Okskarbazepina stosowana w leczeniu padaczki
Donepezil
Tlenek cybutryny stosowany w narkolepsji

Obciążenie chorobowe i wpływ na jakość życia

Skurcze mięśni nóg, szczególnie nocne, mogą znacząco wpływać na jakość życia pacjentów.¹² Około 20% pacjentów z codziennymi skurczami poszukuje pomocy medycznej ze względu na nasilenie objawów.¹²

Wpływ na jakość snu

Jednym z głównych problemów związanych ze skurczami mięśni nóg jest zakłócenie snu. Pacjenci zgłaszają:¹²

Trudności z zasypianiem po wystąpieniu skurczu
Przerywany sen
Ogólne pogorszenie jakości snu

Te zaburzenia snu mogą prowadzić do dalszych konsekwencji zdrowotnych, w tym pogorszenia ogólnego stanu zdrowia i samopoczucia.¹²

Wpływ na codzienne funkcjonowanie

Skurcze mięśni nóg mogą również zakłócać codzienne aktywności:¹²

Ograniczenie mobilności i aktywności fizycznej
Trudności z wykonywaniem codziennych czynności
Pogorszenie ogólnej jakości życia

Badania wskazują, że choć skurcze mięśni nóg są powszechne wśród starszych pacjentów w podstawowej opiece zdrowotnej, poważne obciążenie chorobowe związane z tymi dolegliwościami dotyczy tylko mniejszości pacjentów.¹

Kryteria diagnostyczne i rozpoznanie

Rozpoznanie skurczów mięśni nóg opiera się przede wszystkim na objawach klinicznych. Nie istnieje specyficzny test diagnostyczny, jednak opracowano kryteria różnicujące skurcze mięśni nóg od innych podobnych dolegliwości, takich jak zespół niespokojnych nóg (RLS) czy okresowe ruchy kończyn podczas snu (PLMD).¹²

Kluczowe kryteria diagnostyczne

Na podstawie analizy 18 badań podstawowych zidentyfikowano siedem istotnych klinicznych cech charakterystycznych dla skurczów mięśni nóg:¹²

Ból – intensywny, nagły
Czas trwania – od kilku sekund do maksymalnie 10 minut
Lokalizacja – typowo tylna część łydki lub stopa
Utrzymujący się ból po ustąpieniu skurczu
Zakłócenie snu
Dyskomfort

Inne cechy, takie jak występowanie w spoczynku lub podczas snu, mimowolny charakter, nagły początek, sztywność i asymetryczność, uznano za niewystarczająco specyficzne do różnicowania z RLS i PLMD.¹

Badania diagnostyczne

W przypadku podejrzenia wtórnych przyczyn skurczów mięśni nóg, wskazane może być przeprowadzenie dodatkowych badań:¹

Badania laboratoryjne krwi i moczu
Oznaczenie poziomów elektrolitów (szczególnie potasu, magnezu i wapnia)
Badania funkcji wątroby i nerek
Badania hormonalne (np. w kierunku niedoczynności tarczycy)

Należy jednak podkreślić, że badania laboratoryjne są wskazane tylko w przypadku podejrzenia konkretnej przyczyny na podstawie wywiadu i badania przedmiotowego (np. neuropatii obwodowej z powodu niedoboru witaminy B12).¹

Prognozy i wyzwania w nadzorze epidemiologicznym

Analiza rynkowa wskazuje na rosnące znaczenie problemu skurczów mięśni nóg w globalnym systemie opieki zdrowotnej. Według danych Data Bridge Market Research, rynek leczenia nocnych skurczów nóg był wyceniany na 364 miliony USD w 2021 roku i przewiduje się, że osiągnie 658,91 miliona USD do 2029 roku, przy złożonej rocznej stopie wzrostu (CAGR) wynoszącej 7,70% w latach 2022-2029.¹

Wyzwania w leczeniu

Jednym z głównych wyzwań w leczeniu skurczów mięśni nóg jest ograniczona skuteczność dostępnych metod farmakologicznych i występowanie działań niepożądanych. W przeszłości chinina była często stosowana w leczeniu nocnych skurczów mięśni nóg. Badania potwierdziły jej skuteczność – pacjenci przyjmujący chininę doświadczali średnio 3,60 (95% CI 2,15-5,05) mniej skurczów w okresie 4 tygodni w porównaniu z placebo.¹ Jednak stosowanie chininy wiązało się z zwiększoną częstością występowania działań niepożądanych, szczególnie szumów usznych.¹

Ze względu na profil działań niepożądanych chininy, obecnie zaleca się, aby leczenie pierwszego rzutu miało charakter niefarmakologiczny (np. regularne, pasywne rozciąganie zajętych mięśni).¹

Przyszłe kierunki badań

Istnieje potrzeba prowadzenia dalszych badań w celu lepszego zrozumienia epidemiologii i patofizjologii skurczów mięśni nóg. Szczególnie istotne obszary badawcze obejmują:¹²

Określenie dokładnych mechanizmów powstawania skurczów mięśni nóg
Identyfikacja skutecznych metod prewencji i leczenia
Badanie związku między aktywnością fizyczną a występowaniem skurczów
Ocena wpływu skurczów na długoterminowe wskaźniki zdrowotne
Badanie roli suplementacji elektrolitów w zapobieganiu skurczom, szczególnie u kobiet w ciąży

Warto zauważyć, że w badaniach nad skutecznością chininy w leczeniu nocnych skurczów nóg zaobserwowano obecność błędu publikacji – niemal wszystkie opublikowane badania raportowały większą skuteczność chininy niż badania niepublikowane.¹ Podkreśla to znaczenie poszukiwania wysokiej jakości danych niepublikowanych z agencji regulujących leki i firm farmaceutycznych przy przeprowadzaniu meta-analiz związanych z lekami.

Znaczenie dla zdrowia publicznego

Skurcze mięśni nóg stanowią istotny problem z perspektywy zdrowia publicznego ze względu na:¹²

Wysoką częstość występowania, szczególnie w starzejących się społeczeństwach
Znaczący wpływ na jakość życia i snu pacjentów
Związek z licznymi chorobami przewlekłymi
Potencjalnie modyfikowalne czynniki ryzyka (np. aktywność fizyczna)

Wyniki badań sugerują, że promowanie aktywności fizycznej może odgrywać rolę w zapobieganiu nocnym skurczom nóg.¹ Jest to szczególnie istotne w kontekście silnego związku między siedzącym trybem życia a występowaniem tych dolegliwości.

Lepsze zrozumienie epidemiologii skurczów mięśni nóg stanowi pierwszy krok w kierunku identyfikacji odpowiednich klinicznie metod ich rozpoznawania i leczenia.¹ Pozwoli to na opracowanie skuteczniejszych strategii profilaktycznych i terapeutycznych, co może przyczynić się do poprawy jakości życia pacjentów i zmniejszenia obciążenia systemów opieki zdrowotnej.

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Materiały źródłowe

#1 Nocturnal leg cramps: Prevalence and associations with demographics, sleep disturbance symptoms, medical conditions, and cardiometabolic risk factors
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5460850/
Prevalence was 2425% reporting mild and 6% reporting moderate-severe NLC. […] Based on this first large, representative study, NLC occurring 5x per month are reported by 6% of the adult US population. […] An improved understanding of the epidemiology of NLC is a first step in identifying clinically-appropriate methods for recognition and treatment. […] Existing prevalence data suggest that 3750% of older adults have such leg cramps. […] NLC were highly associated (in unadjusted models) with multiple prevalent medical disorders, including depression, and cardiovascular, arthritis, and respiratory diseases. […] The results of this first cross-sectional study based on a representative population demonstrate that NLC occur 15x/month in 6% of the population, more commonly with advancing age and in women, and are associated with poorer self-reported health, multiple sleep disturbance symptoms, abnormal laboratory tests, and multiple chronic medical conditions including depression.
#1 Nocturnal muscle cramps – UpToDate
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/nocturnal-leg-cramps
Nocturnal muscle cramps are common and frequently unreported to clinicians. In the general population, they are present in 40 percent of those over the age of 50, have an increased frequency with age, show no sex preference, and are associated with sleep disturbance and overall poor health. […] Nocturnal muscle cramps have been reported in approximately 7 percent of children and adolescents. Peak occurrence in this population was at 16 to 18 years of age, with no cases reported less than eight years of age. Pediatric nocturnal leg cramps are typically benign, self-limited, and infrequent.
#1 Association between physical activity and Nocturnal Leg Cramps in patients over 60 years old: a case-control study | Scientific Reports
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-59312-9
Nocturnal Legs Cramps are a frequent disorder, which have a negative impact on quality of life, particularly among patients over 60 years old. […] Among patients over 60 years old the cramp prevalence varies from 46% to 56%. […] We hypothesize that there may be an association between sedentary lifestyle and NLC. […] We observed a strong association between a sedentary lifestyle and Nocturnal Leg Cramps. […] Our results suggest that the promotion of physical activity could also prevent nocturnal leg cramps.
#1 Leg Cramps at Night: Causes, Pain Relief & Prevention
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14170-leg-cramps
The older you are, the more likely you are to have leg cramps. […] Up to 60% of adults get leg cramps at night, as do up to 40% of children and teenagers. […] Night leg cramps (nocturnal leg cramps) can happen to anyone at any age, but they happen most often to older adults. […] Of people over age 60, 33% will have a leg cramp at night at least once every two months. […] Approximately 40% of people experience leg cramps during pregnancy. […] About 3 out of 4 reported cases of leg cramps happen at night. […] Unfortunately, leg cramps happen very suddenly. […] But there are risk factors, like pregnancy and the use of medications that have leg cramps as a side effect. […] Sometimes, leg cramps happen for no reason, but other times, they could be a sign or symptom of a health condition.
#1 Leg Cramps: A Sign of Underlying Illness?
https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/leg-cramps-a-sign-of-underlying-illness
Leg cramps are characterized by sudden, severe, and involuntary muscle contractions. Leg cramps commonly affect the calf muscles but may occur in the hamstrings or muscles of the feet, especially at night (ie nocturnal leg cramps). These nocturnal cramps that occur primarily during sleep are classically characterized as unilateral, painful, and palpable, involuntary muscle contractions that often are localized and have a sudden onset. Leg cramps may also occur during periods of rest in the day. […] Although anyone can experience leg cramps, the incidence is highest in women and older adults, affecting an estimated 33% of individuals older than 60 and an estimated 50% of individuals older than 80. Individuals with leg cramps may complain of sleep disturbances that may negatively affect their overall well-being. Pregnant women are extremely prone to leg cramps at night, especially during the second and third trimesters. Up to 20% of patients who experience leg cramps have troublesome enough daily symptoms that they seek medical attention.
#1 Nocturnal leg cramps: Prevalence and associations with demographics, sleep disturbance symptoms, medical conditions, and cardiometabolic risk factors | PLOS One
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0178465
The results of this first cross-sectional study based on a representative population demonstrate that NLC occur 15x/month in 6% of the population, more commonly with advancing age and in women, and are associated with poorer self-reported health, multiple sleep disturbance symptoms, abnormal laboratory tests, and multiple chronic medical conditions including depression.
#1 Sleep-related leg cramps | MedLink Neurology
https://www.medlink.com/articles/sleep-related-leg-cramps
Sleep-related leg cramps may be encountered at all ages. Epidemiologic studies in children demonstrated that nocturnal leg cramps have an overall incidence of 7.3%; the incidence increased at 12 years of age, peaking between 16 and 18 years. Nocturnal leg cramps were, however, absent in children younger than 8 years of age. Seventy-three percent of the children had cramps only during sleep; the remainder also had cramps during wakefulness. Leg cramps were unilateral in nearly 99% of cases, occurring one to four times per year in the majority of children, and each episode lasted 1.7 minutes as a mean, leaving a residual tenderness for about half an hour. […] Sleep-related leg cramps also are frequent among the general population. The incidence and prevalence increases with age. In a general population survey conducted in 1987 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, leg cramps were reported by 2.6% of 1000 representative adult residents, especially females (males to females ratio 1:1.8), but increased to 5.8% in a later survey conducted in 1995 in the same population. No association was found between gender and prevalence of sleep-related leg cramps. In a survey of veteran outpatients, 56% reported nocturnal leg cramps. In this population, leg symptoms were often associated with hypertension, renal disease, hypokalemia, and vascular disease affecting the legs, heart, and brain. In another survey of male veterans, cardiovascular disease and peripheral neurologic defects were significantly higher in patients with nocturnal leg cramps; there was no relation with use of diuretic, beta-agonist, or calcium channel antagonist drugs. In 365 elderly patients over 65 years of age, leg cramps were found in 50%. Cramps were more prevalent at night in 62% of patients and remained a longstanding complaint, being present for over 10 years in 20% of cases. Again, an association with peripheral vascular disease and arthritis was found. In a cross-sectional study of 516 subjects over the age of 60 years in France, prevalence of nocturnal leg cramps was 46%.
#1 Leg Cramps – WikiMSK
https://wikimsk.org/wiki/Leg_Cramps
Approximately 7.3% of children complain of new onset nocturnal leg cramps each year, and around one third of the general population experience rest cramps, with 83% occurring in the leg and 73% occurring at night. […] It is more common with increasing age with half of patients older than 64 years having leg cramps. […] Risk factors other than age include sport participation, hepatic cirrhosis, venous insufficiency, female gender, arthritis, and peripheral vascular disease.
#1 Muscle Cramps (Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment)
https://patient.info/doctor/muscle-cramps
Groups at increased risk of muscle cramps: […] Up to 60% of adults report that they have had nocturnal leg cramps. […] The problem is often distressing, impacting on sleep, and has an adverse effect on quality of life. […] Pregnant women – up to 30% of women can be affected by leg cramps during pregnancy. […] Muscle cramps are common in children, especially at night. […] Those with metabolic disorders; for example, 50% of patients with uraemia and 20-50% of those with hypothyroidism complain of muscle cramps. […] Athletes and individuals working under hot conditions – eg, firemen.
#1 Leg Cramps | Side Effects of Cancer | American Cancer Society
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/side-effects/pain/leg-cramps.html
Cancer and its treatment may cause leg cramps and other types of muscle cramps. […] Some causes of leg cramps in people who have cancer include: […] Your cancer care team can help create a plan to manage leg cramps. […] Call the cancer care team right away if your loved one has cramping that lasts for more than 6 to 8 hours.
#1 Nocturnal Leg Cramps and Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Cross-Sectional Stu | IJGM
https://www.dovepress.com/nocturnal-leg-cramps-and-lumbar-spinal-stenosis-a-cross-sectional-stud-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-IJGM
Nocturnal leg cramps are considered to be a symptom of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). However, the relationship between LSS and nocturnal leg cramps in the general population remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of nocturnal leg cramps in LSS in the community. A total of 214 participants (65.2%) had nocturnal leg cramps, and 94 of 328 participants (28.7%) showed typical LSS symptoms. In the typical LSS symptom group, 31 participants (33.0%) had nocturnal leg cramps. In the atypical LSS symptom group, 83 participants (35.5%) had nocturnal leg cramps. There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of nocturnal leg cramps between the two groups. The prevalence of nocturnal leg cramps did not differ with or without typical LSS symptoms in the community. The degree of dural tube compression that is determined by DCSA had a direct effect on the presence of nocturnal leg cramps. Neurological impairment, such as PTR abnormalities, was associated with the presence of nocturnal leg cramps. The epidemiological studies on nocturnal leg cramps that have been reported so far have been mainly conducted on outpatients and not on community residents. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the relationship between nocturnal leg cramps and LSS in the community.
#1 Sleep-related leg cramps | MedLink Neurology
https://www.medlink.com/articles/sleep-related-leg-cramps
Sleep-related leg cramps are also known to complicate treatment with the following products: diuretics, beta2 agonists used as bronchodilators, statins, vincristine (where they signal early neurotoxicity), sodium oxybate used for narcolepsy, donepezil, oxcarbazepine for epilepsy, cholinesterase inhibitors, and hemodialysis for uremia. Statins, which are inhibitors of 3-OH-3 methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, used in lowering cholesterol blood levels, have been associated with persistent myalgias and muscle cramps with or without creatine kinase elevation, and even with rhabdomyolysis and muscle weakness. Cerivastatin seems the most implicated statin, but impaired hepatic and renal function, hypothyroidism, diabetes, and other concomitant medications seem to contribute to statin toxicity. Muscle pains and weakness may affect up to 5% of the patients using these drugs. The mechanisms of such statin-induced myopathy are still discussed; regulatory proteins involved in myocyte maintenance have been implicated. Sleep-related leg cramps are also more common in patients with other sleep disturbances such as bruxism and sleep paralysis.
#1 Are lower limb biomechanical factors associated with night-time calf cramps in adults? A case-control study | Journal of Foot and Ankle Research | Full Text
https://jfootankleres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1757-1146-7-S1-A31
Night-time calf muscle cramps are highly prevalent and are associated with reduced quality of sleep and health-related quality of life. […] Epidemiology and determinants of nocturnal calf cramps. […] Night-time calf muscle cramps were associated with markers of neurological dysfunction and potential musculoskeletal therapeutic targets.
#1 Nocturnal Leg Cramp
https://mobile.fpnotebook.com/Ortho/Sx/NctrnlLgCrmp.htm
Incidence […] Adult: 50-60% […] Child: 7% […] Frequency […] May be daily in up to 20% of patients […] […] […] Typically normal in Nocturnal Leg Cramps […] Lab evaluation is only indicated if suspected cause on the differential diagnosis (e.g. Peripheral Neuropathy due to Vitamin B12 Deficiency)
#1
https://smw.ch/index.php/smw/article/view/2597
There are few data available regarding the characteristics of nocturnal leg cramps in primary care. However, this condition is particularly common among older adults and often causes sleep disturbances, which can seriously affect quality of life. […] Although nocturnal leg cramps are common among older patients in primary care, the disease burden of nocturnal leg cramps only appears to be severe in a minority of patients.
#1 Criteria in diagnosing nocturnal leg cramps: a systematic review | BMC Primary Care | Full Text
https://bmcprimcare.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12875-017-0600-x
Up to 33% of the general population over 50 years of age are affected by nocturnal leg cramps. […] In 20% of these cases, cramps also occur during rest periods in the daytime. […] Symptoms, as well as prevalence and incidence, progress with advancing age. […] Medical pathologies associated with NLC are chronic liver and renal failure (haemodialysis), vascular diseases, magnesium or calcium deficiency, dehydration and varicose veins. […] The analysis of 18 primary studies revealed twelve different diagnostic criteria used: rest, sleep or night; painful; aged 50; involuntary; sudden onset; posterior calf, foot or thigh; sleep disruption; persisting pain afterwards; duration from seconds to several minutes; distress; stiffness and asymmetrical cramps. […] After counting the number of times the criteria were described, and after comparing the twelve criteria to RLS and PLMD criteria, the following criteria were deemed not distinctive enough: at rest or sleep, aged, involuntary, sudden onset, stiffness and asymmetrical.
#1 Leg Cramps at Night: Causes, Pain Relief & Prevention
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14170-leg-cramps
Secondary leg cramps are a symptom or complication of a more serious health condition. […] If you have any of the following conditions, your leg cramps may be a result of that condition. […] Always consult a healthcare provider if you think your leg cramps are a symptom of something serious. […] Leg cramps can be a sign of serious conditions, including: […] Your healthcare provider will need to know your medical history, medications and a description of what you’re experiencing. […] There’s no specific test to diagnose leg cramps. […] But your provider will likely check your vital signs and do routine tests (like getting samples of your blood and urine). […] Leg cramps don’t have a cure at this time. […] Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent and manage your leg cramps.
#1 Nocturnal Leg Cramps Treatment Market â Global Market â Industry Trends and Forecast to 2029 | Data Bridge Market Research
https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-nocturnal-leg-cramps-treatment-market?srsltid=AfmBOor-iqC52X1MF28aWaPxgPZsFd-X2lMo0afwtyoIQM0Qp9Sux-Tq
Nocturnal leg cramps affect up to 60% of adults. […] Data Bridge Market Research analyses that the nocturnal leg cramps treatment market was valued at USD 364 million in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 658.91 million by 2029, registering a CAGR of 7.70% during the forecast period of 2022 to 2029. […] Patient Epidemiology Analysis: Nocturnal leg are found in 40% of people over the age of 50 in the general population, grow in frequency with age, have no sex preference, and are linked to sleep disturbances and ill health. […] Around 7% of children and adolescents have experienced nocturnal leg cramps.
#1
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1046/j.1525-1497.1998.00182.x
OBJECTIVE: With respect to the use of quinine for the treatment of nocturnal leg cramps, to determine whether the findings of a previously performed meta-analysis of published data are altered with the addition of unpublished data, and whether publication bias is present in this area. […] MAIN RESULTS: When individual patient data from all crossover studies were pooled, persons had 3.60 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.15, 5.05] fewer cramps in a 4-week period when taking quinine compared with placebo. […] Compared with placebo, the use of quinine was associated with an increased incidence of side effects, particularly tinnitus. Publication bias is present in the reporting of the efficacy of quinine for this indication, as almost all published studies reported larger estimates of its efficacy than did unpublished studies.
#1
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1046/j.1525-1497.1998.00182.x
CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that quinine is efficacious in the prevention of nocturnal leg cramps. […] Given the side effect profile of quinine, nonpharmacologic therapy (e.g., regular passive stretching of the affected muscle) is the best first-line treatment. […] Publication bias is present in this area even though there is controversy about the role of quinine in the treatment of leg cramps. […] To minimize the possibility of this bias, persons performing medication-related meta-analyses should seek high-quality unpublished data from drug regulatory agencies and pharmaceutical companies.
#2 Nocturnal leg cramps: Prevalence and associations with demographics, sleep disturbance symptoms, medical conditions, and cardiometabolic risk factors | PLOS One
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0178465
Nocturnal leg cramps (NLC) are common and poorly understood. […] Based on small primary care practice surveys, NLC may occur more commonly with increased age and in those with worse overall health. […] Existing prevalence data suggest that 37-50% of older adults have such leg cramps. […] An improved understanding of the epidemiology of NLC is a first step in identifying clinically-appropriate methods for recognition and treatment. […] To estimate the population-level prevalence of NLC, as well as associations with a wide range of potential correlates, we examined data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). […] Prevalence of NLC was consistent across both waves, with approximately 30% reporting symptoms (in both cases, about 24% reported mild and about 6% reported moderate-severe symptoms).
#2 Leg Cramps at Night: Causes, Pain Relief & Prevention
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14170-leg-cramps
The older you are, the more likely you are to have leg cramps. […] Up to 60% of adults get leg cramps at night, as do up to 40% of children and teenagers. […] Night leg cramps (nocturnal leg cramps) can happen to anyone at any age, but they happen most often to older adults. […] Of people over age 60, 33% will have a leg cramp at night at least once every two months. […] Approximately 40% of people experience leg cramps during pregnancy. […] About 3 out of 4 reported cases of leg cramps happen at night. […] Unfortunately, leg cramps happen very suddenly. […] But there are risk factors, like pregnancy and the use of medications that have leg cramps as a side effect. […] Sometimes, leg cramps happen for no reason, but other times, they could be a sign or symptom of a health condition.
#2 Nocturnal Leg Cramps Treatment Market â Global Market â Industry Trends and Forecast to 2029 | Data Bridge Market Research
https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-nocturnal-leg-cramps-treatment-market?srsltid=AfmBOor-iqC52X1MF28aWaPxgPZsFd-X2lMo0afwtyoIQM0Qp9Sux-Tq
Nocturnal leg cramps affect up to 60% of adults. […] Data Bridge Market Research analyses that the nocturnal leg cramps treatment market was valued at USD 364 million in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 658.91 million by 2029, registering a CAGR of 7.70% during the forecast period of 2022 to 2029. […] Patient Epidemiology Analysis: Nocturnal leg are found in 40% of people over the age of 50 in the general population, grow in frequency with age, have no sex preference, and are linked to sleep disturbances and ill health. […] Around 7% of children and adolescents have experienced nocturnal leg cramps.
#2 Sleep-related leg cramps | MedLink Neurology
https://www.medlink.com/articles/sleep-related-leg-cramps
Sleep-related leg cramps may be encountered at all ages. Epidemiologic studies in children demonstrated that nocturnal leg cramps have an overall incidence of 7.3%; the incidence increased at 12 years of age, peaking between 16 and 18 years. Nocturnal leg cramps were, however, absent in children younger than 8 years of age. Seventy-three percent of the children had cramps only during sleep; the remainder also had cramps during wakefulness. Leg cramps were unilateral in nearly 99% of cases, occurring one to four times per year in the majority of children, and each episode lasted 1.7 minutes as a mean, leaving a residual tenderness for about half an hour. […] Sleep-related leg cramps also are frequent among the general population. The incidence and prevalence increases with age. In a general population survey conducted in 1987 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, leg cramps were reported by 2.6% of 1000 representative adult residents, especially females (males to females ratio 1:1.8), but increased to 5.8% in a later survey conducted in 1995 in the same population. No association was found between gender and prevalence of sleep-related leg cramps. In a survey of veteran outpatients, 56% reported nocturnal leg cramps. In this population, leg symptoms were often associated with hypertension, renal disease, hypokalemia, and vascular disease affecting the legs, heart, and brain. In another survey of male veterans, cardiovascular disease and peripheral neurologic defects were significantly higher in patients with nocturnal leg cramps; there was no relation with use of diuretic, beta-agonist, or calcium channel antagonist drugs. In 365 elderly patients over 65 years of age, leg cramps were found in 50%. Cramps were more prevalent at night in 62% of patients and remained a longstanding complaint, being present for over 10 years in 20% of cases. Again, an association with peripheral vascular disease and arthritis was found. In a cross-sectional study of 516 subjects over the age of 60 years in France, prevalence of nocturnal leg cramps was 46%.
#2 Leg Cramps: A Sign of Underlying Illness?
https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/leg-cramps-a-sign-of-underlying-illness
Leg cramps are characterized by sudden, severe, and involuntary muscle contractions. Leg cramps commonly affect the calf muscles but may occur in the hamstrings or muscles of the feet, especially at night (ie nocturnal leg cramps). These nocturnal cramps that occur primarily during sleep are classically characterized as unilateral, painful, and palpable, involuntary muscle contractions that often are localized and have a sudden onset. Leg cramps may also occur during periods of rest in the day. […] Although anyone can experience leg cramps, the incidence is highest in women and older adults, affecting an estimated 33% of individuals older than 60 and an estimated 50% of individuals older than 80. Individuals with leg cramps may complain of sleep disturbances that may negatively affect their overall well-being. Pregnant women are extremely prone to leg cramps at night, especially during the second and third trimesters. Up to 20% of patients who experience leg cramps have troublesome enough daily symptoms that they seek medical attention.
#2 Predictors of leg cramps in the third trimester of pregnancy | IJWH
https://www.dovepress.com/prevalence-and-predictors-of-leg-cramps-in-the-third-trimester-of-preg-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-IJWH
Leg cramps are one of the most common musculoskeletal dysfunctions experienced during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Leg cramps can significantly affect daily activities, quality of life and sleep patterns. The prevalence of leg cramps among pregnant women peaking in the third trimester has been estimated to be between 47.8 and 64.4% in studies conducted in the USA, Iran, and India. […] This study showed that leg cramps are a common issue among pregnant women in their third trimester, with an estimated prevalence of 58% in Jordan. This finding aligns with similar studies conducted in India, Iran, and the USA, where the prevalence of leg cramps among pregnant women in the third trimester ranged from 47.8% to 64.6%. […] The current study showed that leg swelling significantly predicted leg cramps among pregnant women in the third trimester and that the prevalence of leg swelling among pregnant women in the third trimester was 34.6%.
#2 Sleep-related leg cramps | MedLink Neurology
https://www.medlink.com/articles/sleep-related-leg-cramps
Nocturnal leg cramps have been associated with several other physiologic and pathologic conditions: Pregnancy: 30% to 81% of pregnant women experience nocturnal cramps, especially after the 25th week of pregnancy. In this patient population, nocturnal leg cramps have been reported to occur together with restless legs syndrome. Venous insufficiency and varicose veins of the lower limbs. Root disease of the lower limbs and vespers curse, a condition in which lumbar radiculopathy and spinal stenosis combine to cause nocturnal calf cramps, fasciculations, night pain, and paresthesias. Liver cirrhosis. Diabetes mellitus (in which patients with leg symptoms are usually younger and have earlier onset of diabetes). Cancer. Parkinson disease. Tropical ataxic neuropathy and tropical spastic paraparesis due to human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 2. Myokymia-cramp-fasciculation syndrome. Myofascial pain syndrome of the gastrocnemius muscle. Myotonia and late-onset lipid storage myopathy. Electrolyte disturbances (especially hypokalemia and hypocalcemia) and sweat loss during sports, even though the evidence for the electrolyte disturbances actually causing the muscle cramps is controversial. Thyroid dysfunction. Metabolic syndrome. Uremia. Maintenance hemodialysis. Gitelman syndrome, a hereditary renal disorder with hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, metabolic alkalosis, and hypocalciuria. Satoyoshi syndrome, characterized by progressive intermittent muscle spasms, alopecia, diarrhea, amenorrhea, and bony deformities. Machado-Joseph disease. Anti-MAG neuropathy.
#2 Leg Cramps: A Sign of Underlying Illness?
https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/leg-cramps-a-sign-of-underlying-illness
The majority of leg cramps are idiopathic and harmless, but some may result from underlying illnesses such as diabetes or peripheral artery disease. Other examples of secondary causes include neurologic disorders, structural disorders or positioning of the leg, and metabolic disorders, including extracellular fluid volume depletion and electrolyte disturbances. Medications such as statins, diuretics, and oral contraceptives may increase the risk of leg cramps, too. […] Patients who experience severe and/or continual leg cramps should be encouraged to seek further assistance from their primary health care provider.
#2 Association between physical activity and Nocturnal Leg Cramps in patients over 60 years old: a case-control study | Scientific Reports
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-59312-9
Nocturnal Legs Cramps are a frequent disorder, which have a negative impact on quality of life, particularly among patients over 60 years old. […] Among patients over 60 years old the cramp prevalence varies from 46% to 56%. […] We hypothesize that there may be an association between sedentary lifestyle and NLC. […] We observed a strong association between a sedentary lifestyle and Nocturnal Leg Cramps. […] Our results suggest that the promotion of physical activity could also prevent nocturnal leg cramps.
#2 Muscle Cramps (Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment)
https://patient.info/doctor/muscle-cramps
Groups at increased risk of muscle cramps: […] Up to 60% of adults report that they have had nocturnal leg cramps. […] The problem is often distressing, impacting on sleep, and has an adverse effect on quality of life. […] Pregnant women – up to 30% of women can be affected by leg cramps during pregnancy. […] Muscle cramps are common in children, especially at night. […] Those with metabolic disorders; for example, 50% of patients with uraemia and 20-50% of those with hypothyroidism complain of muscle cramps. […] Athletes and individuals working under hot conditions – eg, firemen.
#2 Painful Leg Cramps Can Stop You in Your Tracks | University Hospitals
https://www.uhhospitals.org/blog/articles/2023/06/painful-leg-cramps-can-stop-you-in-your-tracks
Leg cramps can strike at any time while walking, running, sitting, even sleeping. […] Muscle spasms in the legs are quite common and can occur in people of any age however, they are more prevalent in older adults, with nearly 60 percent of people over 50 reporting having leg cramps either occasionally or with some frequency, says Lauren Hadney, DO, internal medicine specialist at University Hospitals. […] Because the exact cause is unknown, there are no guaranteed ways to stop leg cramps from occurring. […] Although leg cramps are generally harmless, if you have severe, persistent cramps that disrupt your sleep and affect your quality of life, its time to talk to your doctor.
#2 Leg Cramps at Night: Causes, Pain Relief & Prevention
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14170-leg-cramps
Secondary leg cramps are a symptom or complication of a more serious health condition. […] If you have any of the following conditions, your leg cramps may be a result of that condition. […] Always consult a healthcare provider if you think your leg cramps are a symptom of something serious. […] Leg cramps can be a sign of serious conditions, including: […] Your healthcare provider will need to know your medical history, medications and a description of what you’re experiencing. […] There’s no specific test to diagnose leg cramps. […] But your provider will likely check your vital signs and do routine tests (like getting samples of your blood and urine). […] Leg cramps don’t have a cure at this time. […] Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent and manage your leg cramps.
#2 Criteria in diagnosing nocturnal leg cramps: a systematic review | BMC Primary Care | Full Text
https://bmcprimcare.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12875-017-0600-x
As a result, the following seven criteria remained in order to differentiate NLC from RLS and PLMD: pain, intense pain, period of seconds to a maximum of 10 minutes, located in posterior calf or foot, subsequent pain, sleep disruption and distress. […] In conclusion, seven relevant clinical characteristics have been identified to diagnose patients with NLC, and specifically differentiate this disorder from RLS and PLMD.
#2 Predictors of leg cramps in the third trimester of pregnancy | IJWH
https://www.dovepress.com/prevalence-and-predictors-of-leg-cramps-in-the-third-trimester-of-preg-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-IJWH
This study found no correlation between leg cramps and Mg and Ca serum levels. Previous studies findings conflicted regarding the association of leg cramps with serum levels of Mg and Ca. […] A better understanding of the risk factors for leg cramps will enable healthcare providers to establish more effective preventive and treatment strategies for leg cramps among pregnant women. Further research is needed to fully explore the factors that cause leg cramps among pregnant women.
#3 Leg Cramps: A Sign of Underlying Illness?
https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/leg-cramps-a-sign-of-underlying-illness
The majority of leg cramps are idiopathic and harmless, but some may result from underlying illnesses such as diabetes or peripheral artery disease. Other examples of secondary causes include neurologic disorders, structural disorders or positioning of the leg, and metabolic disorders, including extracellular fluid volume depletion and electrolyte disturbances. Medications such as statins, diuretics, and oral contraceptives may increase the risk of leg cramps, too. […] Patients who experience severe and/or continual leg cramps should be encouraged to seek further assistance from their primary health care provider.