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

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)440-443
Number of pages4
JournalAnnals of family medicine
Volume21
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2023

Keywords

  • leg cramps
  • prevalence
  • primary care

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Family Practice

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