Cramp News and Research

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Cramp involves the involuntary spasm of muscles, usually in the legs, that is transient in nature. It can occur in isolation or as a symptom of several other related health conditions. As a result, there are many possible causes of cramp and factors that are involved.

Engineered CAR T cells show promise against myeloproliferative neoplasms

A new form of CAR T cell therapy has been designed to find and destroy the cancer-driving stem cells responsible for a group of blood cancers known as myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), while leaving healthy blood cells unharmed, in new research led by UCL and University of Oxford researchers.

1 Jul 2026

Weight loss drugs could widen health inequalities without nutritional support

Drugs such as semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) are transforming obesity treatment, but without affordable, healthy food and appropriate support, they could widen health inequalities in the UK, according to researchers at UCL and the University of Cambridge.

1 Jun 2026

Gene test helps many breast cancer patients avoid chemotherapy

Many people with breast cancer can safely avoid chemotherapy with the use of a gene test, potentially sparing them unnecessary side effects without increasing the risk of the cancer returning, a large international clinical trial led by UCL has found.

29 May 2026

First European trial tests CAR T therapy in amyloidosis patients

Three patients with light chain amyloidosis have been treated with CAR T cell therapy in the first European clinical trial testing the safety and efficacy of this immunotherapy in this patient group, led by UCL and UCLH researchers.

6 May 2026

Trial shows durable response with preoperative immunotherapy in bowel cancer

Patients with a specific type of bowel cancer who were treated with a short course of immunotherapy before surgery instead of post-op chemotherapy have remained cancer-free after almost three years of follow-up, according to new results from the NEOPRISM-CRC clinical trial led by a team from UCL and UCLH.

20 Apr 2026

Lab-grown food pipe offers hope for children with esophageal conditions

Scientists from Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and University College London (UCL) have created the first lab‑grown esophagus - the food pipe - shown to safely replace a full section of the organ and restore normal function, including swallowing, in a growing animal without the need for immunosuppression.

23 Mar 2026

Improving fitness boosts brain-boosting protein release after a single workout

Increasing our level of physical fitness leads to a bigger release of brain-boosting proteins following one session of exercise, a new study led by a UCL researcher has found.

9 Mar 2026

Vitamin K2 reduces the frequency, intensity, and duration of nighttime leg cramps

A study reveals vitamin K2 significantly lowers the frequency and intensity of nocturnal leg cramps in individuals over 65, enhancing symptom management.

30 Oct 2024

New research highlights the role of language in pregnancy loss care

The language used in many healthcare settings to describe pregnancy loss exacerbates the grief and trauma experienced by some individuals and can be a critical factor in determining psychological well-being following the loss, according to a new report led by a UCL researcher.

9 Sep 2024

Stretching vs. meditation: New study finds both practices reduce nocturnal muscle cramps in cirrhosis patients

Researchers investigate the effects of stretching and meditation on nocturnal muscle cramps in patients with cirrhosis.

15 Aug 2024

Stretching and meditation ease nocturnal muscle cramps in cirrhosis patients

People suffering from cirrhosis may find some symptom relief from two accessible activities: stretching and meditation.

12 Aug 2024

Menstrual cramps can be more severe and last longer during anovulatory cycles

According to current understanding, menstrual cramps only happen in cycles in which an egg is released, or an ovulatory cycle. But new research from the University of British Columbia (UBC) is challenging this notion.

11 Jul 2024

Ketogenic diet offers hope for infants with drug-resistant epilepsy

A ketogenic diet, which is low in carbohydrates and high in fat, shows promise as an alternative treatment option for infants with drug-resistant epilepsy, finds a new study led by researchers at UCL and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH).

4 Apr 2024

UCL and Oxford lead major dementia diagnosis trials

Thousands of people in the UK are to take part in countrywide trials to identify accurate and quick blood tests that can diagnose dementia, led by research teams at UCL and Dementias Platform UK, based at the University of Oxford.

4 Apr 2024

Future drug makers can develop their skills using virtual reality at new national Centre of Excellence

Future medicine and vaccine makers will be able to develop their skills using virtual reality at a new national Centre of Excellence, after a successful funding bid involving UCL.

15 Mar 2024

New study finds high prevalence of leg cramps in primary care patients

Researchers developed and conducted a cross-sectional survey to examine the prevalence and characteristics of leg cramps in 294 primary care patients (with a mean age of 46.5 years), with 51.7% reporting leg cramps.

25 Sep 2023

Study finds racial disparities in treatment, outcomes of peripheral artery disease among Black and white patients

A new study from Keck Medicine of USC has uncovered significant racial disparities in the diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of peripheral artery disease (PAD) among Black and white patients in the United States.

13 Jun 2023

Cutting-edge AI technologies transforming stroke care in England

Tens of thousands of stroke patients across the country are benefitting from quicker treatment and improved outcomes thanks to government investment in cutting edge artificial intelligence (AI) to diagnose and determine the best treatment for patients who suffer a stroke.

26 Dec 2022

Study reveals why some germinal centers persist for months rather than weeks

If B cells are the munitions factories of the immune system, manufacturing antibodies to neutralize harmful pathogens, then the tiny biological structures known as germinal centers are its weapons-development facilities.

23 Dec 2022

Drinking electrolytes instead of water can help prevent muscle cramps

If you reach for water when a muscle cramp strikes, you might want to think again. New research from Edith Cowan University has revealed drinking electrolytes instead of pure water can help prevent muscle cramps.

18 Mar 2021