Work

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

Year: 2023

Type: article

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.

Source: The Annals of Family Medicine

DOI: 10.1370/afm.3013

Authors: Birgit Khandalavala, Jenenne Geske, Jacob Klein

Institution: University of Nebraska Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Restless Legs Syndrome Research

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4387007004