Conventional Western Medicine and Complementary and Alternative Medicine on Leg Cramps: A Literature Review

Abstract

The objective of this review is to investigate the use of conventional Western medicine (WM) and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) on leg cramps. Leg cramps are the occurrence of muscular spasm in the leg muscles which occur frequently in the elderly and are frequently observed in the clinical field. Methods: Relevant clinical studies were searched from five medical databases including PubMed, KISS, RISS, OASIS, and J-STAGE. Systematic review, clinical studies, and clinical practice guideline were included in this review. Results: In total, 27 clinical studies, 9 systematic review and meta-analysis, and 1 clinical practice guideline met the inclusion criteria. Included studies were classified and analyzed according to the type of intervention. Studies on quinine and magnesium have been most studied in WM and CAM, respectively. Although quinine shows some clinical effects on leg cramps, however, the risk of side effects are suggested. In addition, magnesium failed to improve the clinically significant effects in most studies. Five case reports using Oriental herbal medicine (OHM) were included and OHMs were effective in improving leg cramps without side effects, however, the quality of evidence was low. Clinical studies on other interventions were lacking. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that there is no definite treatment standard for leg cramps until now, and there are limitations such as low level of evidence and side effects for each treatment. OHM can be an effective alternative to conventional intervention on leg cramps, therefore, related clinical studies are needed.

Case Series Study of Liver-Tonification Acupuncture Treatment for Muscle Cramp of Middle-aged and Elderly

“…식이보충 제로는 마그네슘 복용이 대표적이지만 노년층에서는 큰 효과가 없는 것으로 보고되고 있다 11) . 이외 30여 가 지의 예방적 중재요법이 있으나 대체로 효과가 없거나 미약하다고 알려져 있으며 5,10) , 베라파밀(verapamil) 12) , 나프티드로퓨릴(naftidrofuryl) 13) 과 같은 약물요법과 통 증유발점 주사(trigger point injection) 14) 와 같은 비약물요 법이 제시되고 있으나 관련 연구가 아직 충분하지 않다 15) .…”