From the Guidelines
For immediate relief from muscle cramps (charlie horses), taking a calcium supplement is a recommended treatment option. This is based on the guidance provided in the study published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 1. When experiencing a muscle cramp, it's essential to consider the potential underlying causes, such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or muscle fatigue, and address these factors for both treatment and prevention.
Some key considerations for managing muscle cramps include:
- Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, especially during and after exercise
- Maintaining adequate levels of essential electrolytes like potassium, magnesium, and calcium
- Engaging in regular stretching exercises, particularly before bed to prevent nighttime cramps
- Applying heat or cold packs to the affected area to help relax the muscle and reduce discomfort
In terms of medications, while the study 1 mentions calcium supplements and tonic water for muscle cramps, other over-the-counter options like acetaminophen or NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) can help alleviate pain and inflammation. For persistent or severe cramps, consulting a doctor about prescription medications such as muscle relaxants might be necessary. However, the most straightforward and evidence-supported initial approach for treating muscle cramps is taking a calcium supplement, as indicated by the study 1.
From the Research
Treatments for Charlie Horses
- Quinine sulfate is an effective medication for treating muscle cramps, but it has a worrisome side-effect profile 2
- Membrane-stabilizing drugs, such as phenytoin or carbamazepine, may be used to treat muscle cramps 2, 3
- Botulinum toxin injections have been shown to provide effective and long-lasting relief of cramps by reducing presynaptic cholinergic stimulation of motor nerve terminals and impairing the input/output function of intrafusal and extrafusal motor end plates 4
- Magnesium supplements are often used to prevent muscle cramps, but the evidence for their effectiveness is limited and conflicting 5
- Non-drug, non-invasive treatments, such as lean-to-wall calf muscle stretching, have been studied, but the evidence for their effectiveness is limited and more research is needed 6
Medications for Charlie Horses
- Quinine sulfate: effective, but with a worrisome side-effect profile 2
- Membrane-stabilizing drugs: such as phenytoin or carbamazepine, may be used to treat muscle cramps 2, 3
- Magnesium supplements: limited and conflicting evidence for their effectiveness in preventing muscle cramps 5
- Botulinum toxin: effective in treating muscle cramps, but may not be suitable for all patients 4
Other Considerations
- Treatment decisions should be oriented according to the underlying cause of the muscle cramps, whether it be reversible, potentially reversible, or irreversible 3
- A detailed neurologic examination, complete biochemical profile, and electrodiagnostic examination may be necessary to diagnose the underlying cause of muscle cramps in cancer patients 3