An underestimated suffering

 

(akz-o). Painful nocturnal leg cramps are neither rare nor banal: across Germany, around 2.8 million people are woken from their sleep by a nocturnal leg cramp at least once a month - some even several times a night. These are not only associated with excruciating pain, but often also with significant impairments in quality of life.
 

The causes are diverse

 

There is not always a simple explanation for the painful contractions of the calf muscles that occur in the middle of the night, because the causes and triggers are diverse and range from lifestyle factors such as stress, overexertion and lack of exercise to aging processes and the associated loss of muscles to circulatory problems and changes in hormonal balance or metabolism. A well-founded medical diagnosis is therefore essential.
 

Why education is so important

 

Contrary to popular belief, a magnesium deficiency is rarely the cause, as only around ten percent of the population has a corresponding deficiency. A careful medical examination is therefore the only way to end what can often be a long ordeal. Unfortunately, nocturnal muscle cramps are “quite often dismissed as a trivial symptom” by doctors, says PD Dr. med. Michael A. Überall, Vice President of the German Society for Pain Medicine e.V. and President of the German Pain League e.V. - with sometimes significant consequences for those affected: “In clinical studies, around a third of patients complain about sleep disorders and a increased daytime sleepiness. One in five suffers from nervousness, difficulty concentrating and stress.” In addition, the lack of sleep increases the risk of falls and the development or worsening of other illnesses such as obesity, high blood pressure or depression.
 

Cramps and tension: information and a checklist for visiting the doctor

 

In order to raise public awareness of the common condition and its possible consequences and to pave the way for those affected to receive effective medical help, the “Guide to Cramps and Tension” initiative, together with the German Pain League e.V., offers detailed information on painful nocturnal leg cramps and other common muscular forms related pain and tension. A helpful checklist for a doctor's visit, a pain diary to download, additional tips for everyday life and special stretching exercises support those affected.