J Korean Geriatr Soc.  2013 Dec;17(4):171-177. 10.4235/jkgs.2013.17.4.171.

Muscle Cramps in Old Adults: Clinical Features and Pathophysiology

• Lee JH
• Lim JY

• KMID: 2188220
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4235/jkgs.2013.17.4.171

Abstract

Muscle cramps are defined as painful, spasmodic, involuntary skeletal muscle contractions during or immediately after physical exercise. Muscle cramps have a typical clinical presentation, as the definition and the diagnosis is made based on a typical history together with the findings on clinical examination. Muscle cramps are self-extinguishing within seconds to minutes or relieved by stretching, and is often accompanied by a palpable knotting of the muscle. Old adults are prone to get muscle cramps, which may occur in patients with diseases, but also occur often in healthy subjects with no history of nervous system or metabolic disorders. Comorbidity and multiple medications, including diuretics due to an underlying disease, can be a part of the reason in old adults. We reviewed articles regarding the etiology of muscle cramps and introduced a new hypothesis of 'altered neuromuscular control', which has been documented recently.

Keyword

Age; Percutaneous nephrolithotomy; Staghorn calculi

MeSH Terms

Adult*
Comorbidity
Diagnosis
Diuretics
Exercise
Humans
Muscle Cramp*
Muscle, Skeletal
Muscles*
Nephrostomy, Percutaneous
Nervous System
Diuretics