The Effects of the Myofascial Trigger Point Injections on Pain and Sleep Disturbance in Patients With Nocturnal Leg Cramps With Trigger Points on Gastrocnemius Muscle

Nocturnal leg cramps is involuntary strong contraction of leg muscle, mostly in calves. It occurs suddenly and induces pain. Patients with frequent nocturnal leg cramps suffer from sleep disturbance in company with pain. In the present study, we examined the effects of the myofascial trigger point injections, which are known to be helpful for ease of nocturnal leg cramps, on pain and sleep disturbance in patients with nocturnal leg cramps with trigger points on gastrocnemius muscle.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult patients (20-80 years of age) scheduled for myofascial trigger point injections on gastrocnemius muscle due to nocturnal leg cramps at least once a week

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with no trigger points on gastrocnemius muscle,
• electrolyte abnormality,
• congenital musculoskeletal disorder,
• local or systemic infection, bleeding disorder or the use of anticoagulation medications,
• known allergy of local anesthetics, or the use of hypnotics or sedatives in the last 1 month