Patient-Reported Leg Cramp Treatments and Their Effectiveness

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 clinicians, and additional sources for information are sought. 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.

A newly developed cross-sectional survey was administered in Midwest primary care clinics.

Of 714 survey respondents, 365 reported experiencing leg cramps and are included in our report. The mean age of our participants was 52.2 years (SD = 16.7). The sample was 70.4% female, 90.2% white, and 71.5% rural. Pharmacological treatment options for leg cramps were cited less frequently than nonpharmacological treatments. The most common and helpful pharmacologic interventions were over-the-counter analgesics. Nonpharmacologic 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.

Patients with leg cramps use a variety of treatment options. Many nonpharmacological treatment options are at least somewhat beneficial, which thus present less estimated risk with more benefit. Nearly one-third 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.