Patient-Reported Prevalence, Characteristics, and Impact of Leg Cramps in an Urban Primary Care Clinic.

ABSTRACT: This study addresses the prevalence and characteristics of leg cramps in 294 primary care patients (mean age = 46.5 years), with 51.7% reporting leg cramps. Patients who experience resting or exercise-induced leg cramps were more likely to be older and female. Cramp severity averaged 5.6 on a scale of 1-10 and disturbed sleep "sometimes" or "often" in 55% of patients. Most patients did not discuss cramps with their clinician. Our study reveals a possible shift in patients who experience leg cramps to younger age and chronicity. Resting leg cramps should be reviewed by clinicians as a symptom of declining health and advancing aging.

SUBMITTER: Khandalavala B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10519757 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep-Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature