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Query: UMLS:C0948265 (metabolic syndrome)
 24,271 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

A leg cramp is a pain that comes from a leg muscle. It is due to a muscle spasm which usually occurs in a calf muscle, below and behind a knee. Leg cramps (often called night cramps) usually occur most commonly at night when in bed. Night leg cramps are involuntary painful contractions of skeletal muscles arose in the calves and soles of the feet. Although in most cases they aren't harmful and resolve easily in some instances they have a long duration and can result in intense pain, disturb normal sleep and make a person feel anxious. Pathophysiology of leg cramps is poorly understood. The aim of our study was to determine the role of metabolic syndrome in relation to night leg cramps. The study included 86 subjects aged 34 to 88 years. Metabolic syndrome group consisted of 40 subjects (10 men (25%) and 30 women (75%)); the control group consisted of 46 persons (9 men (19.5%) and 37 women (80.5%)). According to frequency and intensity of manifestation leg cramps were subdivided into less frequent and frequent leg cramps. Blood samples were analysed for lipids, fasting glucose, red blood cells and electrolytes. Persons were screened for leg vein insufficiency as well. The investigation showed that 77.5% (31/40) of patients with metabolic syndrome had leg cramps, from which 60% (24/40) had frequent leg cramps. In control group 73.9% (34/46) had leg cramps, from which 50% (23/46) had frequent leg cramps. Among known predisposing factors leg cramps most often were associated with deep vein insufficiency and superficial vein varicose. High frequency of night leg cramps in our study is due to female predominance (75% versus 25% women and men, respectively) and age distribution in our study population (from 34 to 88 years old). The investigation showed that people often experience nocturnal leg cramps. Leg cramp is slightly increasing among the patients with metabolic syndrome. Frequent leg cramps were observed in 60% of cases in metabolic syndrome group versus 50% of cases in controls.
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PMID:Leg cramps in relation to metabolic syndrome. 1920 19

Magnesium is an essential mineral for optimal metabolic function. Research has shown that the mineral content of magnesium in food sources is declining, and that magnesium depletion has been detected in persons with some chronic diseases. This has led to an increased awareness of proper magnesium intake and its potential therapeutic role in a number of medical conditions. Studies have shown the effectiveness of magnesium in eclampsia and preeclampsia, arrhythmia, severe asthma, and migraine. Other areas that have shown promising results include lowering the risk of metabolic syndrome, improving glucose and insulin metabolism, relieving symptoms of dysmenorrhea, and alleviating leg cramps in women who are pregnant. The use of magnesium for constipation and dyspepsia are accepted as standard care despite limited evidence. Although it is safe in selected patients at appropriate dosages, magnesium may cause adverse effects or death at high dosages. Because magnesium is excreted renally, it should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Food sources of magnesium include green leafy vegetables, nuts, legumes, and whole grains.
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PMID:Therapeutic uses of magnesium. 1962 56