Alternative Treatments for Leg Cramps
Leg cramps can occur due to excitable nerve endings at the neuromuscular junction. Traditionally, doctors prescribed quinine as a means to alleviate these discomforting spasms. Quinine works by suppressing the constant nerve firing at the junction and prolonging the time between cramps. However, despite its effectiveness, the use of quinine for treating leg cramps was banned by the FDA in 2009 due to the numerous associated side effects.
Using Quinine to Treat Malaria
One of the primary methods for treating malaria involves the use of quinine. Malaria, a disease caused by parasites transmitted through the saliva of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, can be effectively combated by quinine. This medication is known for its fast absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and subsequent metabolism in the liver. By doing so, quinine effectively hampers the parasite’s ability to digest hemoglobin, thereby preventing them from destroying red blood cells and reproducing.