Muscle cramps of the foot and leg, also known as muscle spasms, can develop in anyone at any time but are most common in people who are overweight or pregnant and during exercise. The result of a contracting muscle that refuses to release, foot and leg cramps are often quite painful. Often, muscle cramps can be prevented by avoiding overexertion and keeping well-hydrated, but sometimes they occur despite all precautions. Many different treatment options are available both for the occasional sufferer and those who experience repeated bouts of leg and foot cramps.
Home Treatment
Stretching and massaging the muscle is the primary immediate treatment for a foot or leg cramp. The individual should stop any activity as soon as the spasm begins and immediately begin rubbing the affected muscle. When stretching an actively cramping muscle, the muscle should be held in the stretched position until the pain and tightness subside. If the muscle remains tight, applying a warm compress may help loosen it.
After a muscle spasm, if the muscle still feels sore, an ice pack can help alleviate pain. Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain medications can also help ease the after-effects of severe muscle cramping. If the cause of the muscle spasm involves dehydration or heat exhaustion, drinking water or a sports beverage with electrolytes may halt the cramp.
Botulinum Toxin
Injections of botulinum toxin can be used to treat certain types of muscle spasms, including those in the feet and calf. In this treatment, the doctor uses a thin needle to place a small amount of the toxin mixed with saline into the muscle, which blocks the chemical signals that cause the muscle to contract. Side effects are rare, although some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to the shot. Botulin toxin can be fatal in the case of an overdose, but the amounts used to treat muscle spasms are not high enough to pose a danger.
Medication
For individuals who experience frequent muscle spasms, a doctor may prescribe anti-spasm medication. Diltiazem, which works by blocking the activity of calcium channels, is a common drug prescribed for this condition. Skeletal muscle relaxants that may be prescribed for muscle cramps include baclofen, carisoprodol, chlorzoxazone, metaxalone, methocarbamol, orphenadrine, cyclobenzaprine, dantrolene, and tizanidine. Vitamin B complex can also be used in the treatment of recurrent muscle spasms.
According to a 2010 review in the journal "Neurology," patients should avoid taking quinine derivatives as a treatment for muscle spasms because even though they provide relief, they also deliver toxic side effects. A doctor can help determine the best medication for a given patient, but since different drugs may work better in different people, it may take some trial and error before finding an effective anti-spasm medication.
References
- "Annals of Neurology": Botulinum toxin treatment of muscle cramps: a clinical and neurophysiological study.
- Your Orthopaedic Connection: Muscle Cramps
- MedlinePlus: Muscle Cramps
- "Neurology": Assessment: symptomatic treatment for muscle cramps
- National Center for Biotechnology Information : Drug Class Review on Skeletal Muscle Relaxants
