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 language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 440-443 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Annals of family medicine |
Volume | 21 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 1 2023 |
Keywords
- leg cramps
- prevalence
- primary care
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Family Practice