aetiology
Last reviewed 01/2018
Possible causes of cramp include:
- electrolyte disturbance:
- hyponatraemia
- hypocalcaemia
- hypermagnesaemia
- hypomagnesaemia (1)
- hypo- and hyperkalaemia (1)
- drugs:
- nifedipine
- salbutamol
- terbutaline
- diuretics
- cimetidine
- morphine
- lithium
- clofibrate
- raloxifene
- phenothiazines
- penicillamine
- ethanol
- nicotinic acid (1)
- neurological disorders:
- multiple sclerosis
- motor neurone disease
- lumbar spine dysfunction, especially if associated with L5/S1 compression
- hyperventilation
- hypothyroidism
- liver cirrhosis:
- nocturnal cramps occur in 80% of patients
- poisoning:
- strychnine
- lead
- black widow spider bite
- tetanus
- varicose veins
- sarcoidosis (1)
- congenital disorders:
- McArdle's disease
Cramp may also develop during pregnancy and in association with heavy bed clothes.
Peripheral vascular disease and venous obstruction do not cause cramps, but cramps may co-exist.
Reference: