Treating lower limb muscle cramps: a Cochrane systematic review
2011
Review of Non-Drug Treatments for Muscle Cramps
Sample size: 1284
publication
Evidence: low
Author Information
Author(s): Fiona Hawke, Kate Walter, Vivienne Chuter, Joshua Burns
Primary Institution: The University of Sydney
Hypothesis
What non-drug treatments are effective for lower limb muscle cramps?
Conclusion
There is a significant need for more clinical research on non-drug therapies for lower limb muscle cramps.
Supporting Evidence
- Muscle cramps affect approximately 1 in 3 people each year.
- No drug treatment for cramps has shown consistent effectiveness.
- Patients are encouraged to try non-drug treatments due to unclear risk/benefit ratios.
Takeaway
Many people get muscle cramps, and we need to find better ways to help them without using drugs.
Methodology
We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL for randomized controlled trials of non-drug treatments for lower limb cramp.
Limitations
Only one study was included, and many trials were excluded or pending further information.
Participant Demographics
Adults and children with lower limb cramps.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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