ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Birgit Khandalavala, MBBS; Jenenne Geske, PhD; Morgan Karloff, MD
Corresponding Author: Birgit Khandalavala, MBBS; Department of Family Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Email: birgit.khandalavala@unmc.edu
DOI: 10.3122/jabfm.2023.230310R1
Keywords: Cross-Sectional Studies, Family Medicine, Family Physician, Leg, Muscle Cramp, Muscle Spasm, Patient Reported Outcome Measures, Primary Health Care, Surveys and Questionnaires, Therapeutic Use
Dates: Submitted: 08-17-2023; Revised: 04-29-2024; Accepted: 05-13-2024
FINAL PUBLICATION: |HTML| |PDF|
BACKGROUND: Leg cramps are common and distressing to patients who report using many treatment options, some of which have potential for significant adverse effects. Such treatments are often underreported to their providers, and additional sources for information are sought out. Our study investigates patient-reported treatment choices and treatment helpfulness for leg cramp symptom relief, as well as their use of the Internet to identify treatments.
METHODS: A newly-developed cross-sectional survey was administered in midwest primary care clinics.
RESULTS: Of 714 survey respondents, 365 reported experiencing leg cramps and are included in this paper. The mean age of our participants was 52.2 years (SD=16.7). The sample was 29.6% female, 90.2% white, and 71.5% rural. Pharmacological treatment options for leg cramps were cited less frequently than non-pharmacological treatments. The most common and helpful pharmacologic interventions were over-the-counter analgesics. Non-pharmacologic treatments included massage, stretching, and walking. Of patients who experienced leg cramps, 30.8% (n=100) reported looking up treatments on the Internet. The most popular interventions found on the Internet were hydration with either water or electrolyte drinks, potassium, magnesium, and massage of the affected muscle.
CONCLUSIONS: Patients with leg cramps use a variety of treatment options. Many non-pharmacological treatment options are at least somewhat beneficial, which thus present less estimated risk with more benefit. Nearly 1/3 of patients with leg cramps could be at potential risk of medication adverse events, particularly from over-the-counter analgesics. The use of the Internet could be seen as being problematic in nearly the same proportion.