Abstract
Objective: To compare the occurrence of leg cramps in older men and women.
Methodology: This observational study was conducted at University of Lahore from April 2019 to June 2019 and included 195 men and women of age ≥50 years. A cramp questionnaire was used to assess onset, location, frequency, duration, aggravating and relieving factors. Severity of pain was measured by using visual analogue scale. Data analysis was done by using SPSS version 16.0.
Results: Out of 195 patients, 98 were females and 97 males. There was significant difference between muscle cramps in men and women (p=0.011). We found that 69.4% females and 51.5% males experienced cramps weekly. 40.8% females experienced cramps in calf muscle and 40.8% females and 28.9% males experienced cramps at night that were aggravated by sleep and rest. 32.7% females and 20.6% males used different measures to get relief other than the medicines. The pain associated with cramps was most commonly moderate to severe.
Conclusions: Leg cramps are more common in old age females than the males.

Key words: Muscle cramps, nocturnal leg cramps, pain.