I suffer from leg cramps. A friend of mine recommended quinine, but I remember reading somewhere that this was not a good idea. Recently, a doctor recommended it, but I'm afraid to take it.
Muscle cramps are sudden, brief, usually painful contractions of shortened muscles or muscle groups.
Benign nocturnal leg cramps are a relatively common and bothersome complaint, particularly among the elderly. Careful history-taking and physical examination can exclude the majority of other leg muscle disorders, such as myoclonus and sports or occupational injury. Leg cramps during walking may be due to decreased blood flow or thyroid problems. The cause of nocturnal leg cramps is usually unknown but is seen more often in people with diabetes, Parkinson's, central nervous system lesions and many other conditions. Cramps in general are usually harmless and don't have to be treated.