[Nocturnal leg cramps--their causes and treatment]

Abstract

Organic causes for nocturnal or recumbency leg cramps as venous, arterial, statical, nervous, rheumatical and metabolic diseases such as tetany, diabetes and gout must be excluded. This means also electrolyte disturbances during a medical treatment, for example with diuretics. In addition there is a very high portion of idiopathic cramps. In 22 patients with nocturnal leg cramps a four week double blind study with a combination of quinine sulphate and aminophylline (Limptar) was started. Unequivocally, Limptar significantly reduced the number and the intensity of nocturnal or recumbency leg cramps. There was no influence on angiological and biochemical parameters. Side effects appeared very seldom.