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Leg symptoms in outpatient veterans
S K Oboler1, A V Prochazka, T J Meyer
1Ambulatory Care Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Denver, Colorado 80220.
The Western Journal of Medicine
|September 1, 1991
Summary
Common leg symptoms like nocturnal leg cramps and restless leg syndrome affect over half of outpatients. Many patients do not report these issues to their doctors, and most do not receive effective treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Medicine
- General Medicine
Background:
- Common leg symptoms are prevalent in outpatient settings.
- Patient reporting of these symptoms to physicians is often inconsistent.
- Underlying medical conditions may be associated with leg symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of common leg symptoms in outpatients.
- To investigate patient reporting behaviors regarding leg symptoms.
- To identify associated medical conditions and assess therapeutic outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 515 outpatients at the Denver Veterans Affairs Medical Center was conducted over 3 weeks.
- Questionnaires collected data on nocturnal leg cramps, restless leg syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, and other leg symptom experiences.
- Data on reported symptoms, physician reporting, associated conditions, and treatments were analyzed.
Main Results:
- 56% of patients reported nocturnal leg cramps, 29% restless leg syndrome, and 49% peripheral neuropathy symptoms.
- Only 33% of patients were symptom-free.
- Hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, and kidney disease were significantly associated with leg symptoms. Most patients received inadequate therapy.
Conclusions:
- Leg symptoms are highly prevalent among outpatients, often underreported.
- Associated comorbidities necessitate comprehensive evaluation and management.
- There is a significant unmet need for effective therapies for leg symptoms in this population.