Leg Cramps during Pregnancy and Homoeopathic Approach | HDS

Introduction –

1. Leg cramps are often experienced by a pregnant lady at night.
2. Cramp is a painful, involuntary muscle contraction that commonly affects the calf, foot or both.
3. Commonly in the 3rd Trimester.

Etiology –

1. Sciatica ( due to compression by the growing uterus).
2. Associated with varicose veins.
3. Malnutrition
4. Severe anaemia – muscle weakness
5. Hypoproteinemia
6. Hypocalcemia
7. Impaired circulation and return.

Clinical Features –

• Sharp pain
• Usually in the calf or foot
• < night
• Lasts for a few minutes, maximum 8-9 min

Treatment –

• Leg elevation – little above the level of heart
• Calcium supplement

Supportive Treatment –

• Exercise regularly, do calf stretches.
• Rest with your legs elevated
• Wear stockings (especially if associated with varicose veins)
• Massage
• Local heat

Homoeopathic Approach –

• Scope – Excellent
• Acute totality : Cause , Side affected, Type of pain , Modalities
• Potency and repetition : Medium potency, frequent repetition

Homoeopathic Therapeutics –

1. Bellis per – SOA – nerves , A/f – history of deep trauma, wound remedy, sore , lame, bruised feeling. Muscles are sore, fagged out, wants to lie down. Cannot lie down during pregnancy. > cold bathing < heat.
2. Bryonia – SOA – Joints. RIGHT side. Stitching, tearing pains specially every spot on the legs, < motion, slightest touch, > lying on the affected side, absolute rest. Joints are red, swollen, inflamed.
3. Chamomilla – SOA – Nerves. Cramps are unbearable, very sensitive to pain, becomes irritable with pain. Pains lead to a frenzy of rage. < night, open air, warmth. Pains associated with numbness and perspiration of the part.
4. Colocynth – left side. Pain starts at the hip and radiates down to the knee. Neuralgic pains with contraction of muscles. Pains are twitching and jerking and there is shortening of muscles. Cramps due to sciatica. < touch > pressure, warmth.
5. Mag phos – RIGHT sided. Cramps due to sciatica. Neuralgic pains. Pains are sharp, shooting, lightning like, change location suddenly. On examination – feet are tender, generalized muscle weakness. < touch and cold > warmth , pressure.
6. Cuprum metallicum – left sided. Cramps are violent, intermittent, contraction of muscles. < motion, touch > stretching the legs out. On examination – muscles of the leg feel knotted.
7. Veratrum album – Cramps specially in the squatting position. Pains as if heavy stones are tied to the legs. Violent electric shock like pains. On examination – legs and feet are icy cold to touch. < touch > warmth, sitting and hanging her feet off the bed.
8. Nux Vomica – Sensation as if legs are paralysed , numb feeling , will drag her feet. Severe cramps in calves and soles. < cold, touch, on waking > rest, pressure.
9. Rhus tox – Cramps due to sciatica. Limbs are stiff, feel paralysed. Tearing pain down the thighs. Tingling in the feet. Tenderness about knee joint. < cold air > continued motion.
10. Cuprum Ars – Cramps start after midnight. Relieved only after getting out of bed, standing and pressing feet on the floor. Cramps in the calves.
11. Eupion – Paraesthesia – sensation that she is walking on needles. Peripheral neuritis.

Worked By – Dr. Nazia Ansari (BHMS)