Secondary prevention of leg cramps using compression stockings or magnesium supplements: a three-arm randomized clinical trial.

Compression stockings significantly reduced leg cramp frequency compared to placebo at week 8.

• The baseline-adjusted mean difference in leg cramp frequency between the compression stockings and placebo group was -1.43 (95% CI -2.36 to -0.50; P = .001).
• At week 8, the median weekly leg cramp frequency was 2 (IQR 1-2.5) in the compression stockings group versus 3 (IQR 2-5) in the placebo group.
• Baseline median weekly leg cramp frequency was 4 (IQR 3-7) across participants.
• The primary outcome analysis included 114 participants from the 121 randomized.

Magnesium hydrochloride did not significantly reduce leg cramp frequency compared to placebo.

• The adjusted mean difference between magnesium and placebo groups was -0.20 (95% CI -1.49 to 1.09; P = 0.929).
• At week 8, the median weekly leg cramp frequency was 3 (IQR 2-6) in the magnesium group and 3 (IQR 2-5) in the placebo group.
• No significant difference was observed between the magnesium and placebo groups.

Compression stockings also reduced leg cramp-related nocturnal awakenings and perceived pain intensity.

• Secondary outcomes included the number of leg cramp-related nocturnal awakenings and the perceived pain intensity on an ordinal scale.
• Daily use of compression stockings was effective in reducing both the number of nocturnal awakenings and pain intensity caused by leg cramps.
• These findings were noted as part of the secondary outcome results.

The trial enrolled older adults aged 50 to 85 with frequent leg cramps and had a high completion rate.

• A total of 121 participants were randomized, and 109 (90.1%) completed the trial.
• The mean age was 65.8 years (SD 7.8), and 87 (71.9%) were women.
• Eligible individuals had experienced at least two leg cramps per week during the previous 4 weeks.
• The trial was a three-arm, parallel-group, partially blinded, randomized placebo-controlled trial conducted in Finland.
• Participants were recruited nationwide through online advertisements and primary care centers.

Compression stockings were associated with a small number of adverse reactions but no serious adverse events were reported in any group.

• Four participants discontinued compression stockings due to adverse reactions.
• No serious adverse events were reported across any of the three arms.
• Participants used knee-high medical compression stockings, magnesium hydrochloride, or placebo pills daily for 4 weeks.