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Pathogenesis

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

  • various theories have been proposed for the pathogenesis of leg cramps
    • proposed that muscle cramps occur as a result of stimulation of the reflex arc and possibly through hyperextension of the motor neurones in any leg nerve or in the spinal cord
    • has also been suggested that leg cramps occur when a maximally contracted muscle is stimulated, thus shortening the muscle beyond physiological tolerance
  • visible fasciculations may precede and follow the cramp
    • this feature indicates excessive excitability of the terminal branches of motor neurones supplying the muscle
  • painful cramps
    • suggested that are painful because the demands of the overactive muscle exceed metabolic supply
      • results in a relative ischaemia and accumulation of metabolites

Reference:

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