Rest cramps (night cramps, nocturnal leg cramps) can affect certain groups in the general population. They can cause significant problems when frequent and/or severe. Identifying possible causes can help to guide management.
Rest or night cramps occur while the person is at rest or in bed and not preceded by exercise or muscle strain.
Risk factors for rest cramps:
(1) advanced age
(2) peripheral vascular disease
(3) uremia
(4) cirrhosis
(5) pregnancy
(6) thyroid disorders
(7) post dialysis
(8) drugs
(9) hyponatremia, especially dilutional
(10) hypocalcemia
(11) hypomagnesemia
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