• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.13-29
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• 2017

Objectives: 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.

• CELLMED
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• v.13 no.15
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• pp.54.1-54.4
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• 2023

Objective: A single-patient case study on the use of OCNT for cervical spinal stenosis. Methods: A50-year-old Korean male with frequent leg muscle cramps and severe muscle weakness was treated with OCNT. Results: After OCNT, pain and cramps disappeared, and muscle strength improved to the point of no longer hindering daily activities. Conclusion: OCNT can be beneficial in alleviating symptoms of pain and muscle weakness in patients with cervical spinal stenosis.

• Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.111-117
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• 2004

Clinical conditions causing the lower leg injury and pain in athletes include acute injuries which are acute compartment syndrome, acute strain injury, contusion, muscle cramps, and chronic injuries which are chronic exertional compartment syndrome, achilles tendinitis, shin splints and stress fractures. Most injuries occur during running, jumping and playing soccer. Many of these conditions relate to overuse, increased strength, training errors and environment. It is necessary to know the cause of injuries and treatment methods to prevent the sports related lower leg injuries.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.80-87
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• 2020

Purpose: Some patients who have undergone surgery due to lumbar disc herniation still complain of leg pain and other abnormal sensations. Therefore, the study examined the effects of the neurodynamics on pain and other abnormal nerve sensations in post-operated patients with lumbar disc herniation. Methods: The participants of this study comprised 20 adults (10 males and 10 females) who were diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation. The subjects were classified into two groups of 10 patients each in the lower extremity neurodynamics (LEN) and lumbar stabilization exercise (LSE) groups. Each intervention was applied twice a day for one week and was composed of two different exercise patterns; one was applied by a therapist, and the other was performed by the patients themselves. The data were analyzed using assessment methods of Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI), Toronto clinical neuropathy scoring system (TCNSS), Sympathetic Skin Response (SSR) test, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scale. Results: Significant differences in TCNSS, DITI, ODI scale were observed between the LEN and LSE group (p<0.01). On the other hand, there was no significant difference in the SSR test between pre and post-treatment (p>0.05). Conclusion: The results indicated that neurodynamics treatment is effective in pain reduction and abnormal sensations, such as leg muscle cramps, in post-operated patients with lumbar disc herniation.