RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Patient-Reported Prevalence, Characteristics, and Impact of Leg Cramps in an Urban Primary Care Clinic
JF The Annals of Family Medicine
JO Ann Fam Med
FD American Academy of Family Physicians
SP 440
OP 443
DO 10.1370/afm.3013
VO 21
IS 5
A1 Khandalavala, Birgit
A1 Geske, Jenenne
A1 Klein, Jacob
YR 2023
UL http://www.annfammed.org/content/21/5/440.abstract
AB 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.