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Leg cramps can strike out of the blue. One minute you are enjoying a bike ride or a hike and the next you are in excruciating pain.
High-Profile Leg Cramps:
Just ask Lebron James about Game 1 of the 2014 NBA Basketball Finals. The air conditioning went out in the San Antonio arena. Whether it was the heat, the humidity or the loss of fluids, his muscle cramps were incapacitating. So even an elite athlete can be laid low with leg cramps.
Leg Cramps Strike the Rest of Us:
It’s hardly surprising that rest of us also suffer. Sometimes the cramps come on in the middle of exercise, but they can also strike hours later while we are fast asleep. Anyone who has ever experienced a charley horse in a big muscle in the middle of the night will tell you how disruptive it can be. Here are just a few stories to give you a sense of what this is like, in case you have never experienced such cramps yourself:
“I am totally sleep deprived. The muscle cramps can strike almost anywhere–my toes, calves, inner or outer thighs and my feet. The pain is sometimes so intense that the cramps bring tears to my eyes.” Doug
“I am plagued with leg cramps that can occur anywhere between my toes and my thighs. They can last anywhere from 15 minutes to half an hour, during which time the pain is unbearable. Although they usually occur at night, I have sometimes had a cramp while driving, which is very dangerous because I can’t stretch it out.” J.K.
“My wife suffers terribly with nighttime leg cramps. They wake her (and me) out of a sound sleep. I have tried helping her with cold compresses, hot compresses, tonic water, massage, you name it. Nothing ever works. I hate to see her in such distress night after night.” Fred
There are no approved medications for leg cramps. Ask your doctor for a medication to relieve these muscle spasms, and you might get a blank stare. Although the FDA used to allow quinine for this purpose, the agency has since banned it because some people are extremely vulnerable to dangerous side effects. That leaves home remedies.
Remedies for Leg Cramps:
Over the last couple of decades we have collected lots of remedies for leg cramps. Here are just a few examples of stories from visitors to this website:
A Spoonful of Yellow Mustard:
“I have suffered from terrible leg cramps for years, usually after strenuous outdoor activity including heavy perspiration.
“My tennis-playing teenage daughter once witnessed me in inconsolable pain and ran to the fridge for the bottle of yellow mustard. It’s like a miracle, because all other attempts to control the pain failed. I might add that I suffered both front and back cramps in my thighs that left me in tears for hours.
Thank goodness she had heard about this home remedy from a school coach. I will pass this simple cure to anyone who also suffers from this awful pain. My best guess is that I’m sweating out a vital chemical that bananas and Gatorade cannot replace quickly enough.” Sandy
“I don’t know the science behind the use of yellow mustard to relieve leg cramps but I do know that it works. I recently had a charley horse or upper leg cramp that was so bad that I was in tears. Usually putting some weight on the leg will help, but in this situation I could not even straighten my leg.
“I had heard of the mustard treatment from a friend, so I asked my wife to get me a teaspoonful. Within seconds of swallowing the mustard the cramp had gone.” Brian
V-8 Juice:
“I have had great success preventing leg cramps using V-8 juice that I read about on this site. I have a small juice glass of V-8 everyday. I no longer wake up with leg cramps.” Bev
A Glass of Tonic Water:
“I have been suffering excruciating leg cramps on and off for the last 6 months. They just start up for no reason, usually when I’m lying down.
“When I told my doctor, she suggested I drink tonic water because it has quinine in it. I didn’t think something as simple as that would work, as the pain is so severe, but sure enough it does stop the pain within seconds. I just keep sipping it until the pain goes away; usually about half of a small bottle does it for me.
“She said to drink a glass each day but I only have it when I need it and find it relieves the pain almost immediately. I always keep some small bottles in the house.” L.H.
A Swig of Pickle Juice:
“My leg cramps go on nightly, actually several times a night. They get me out of bed crying they hurt so bad. So, last night, I took a chance and poured about a shot glass of dill pickle juice in a glass and drank it before I went to sleep. It was the first night I haven’t had a cramp in a couple of weeks. I’m going to have to buy some more pickles now, and I’ll never throw pickle juice away again!” Jan
A Bar of Soap in Bed:
“Several years ago, I read your article about soap under the sheets, and used it with positive results. While changing linens, the soap fell out after several months and I didn’t think I’d need ‘the cure’ any longer.
“I recently had been suffering from extremely severe leg cramps night and day and thought it was a part of my fibromyalgia. Then I remembered the soap, replaced it and overnight I felt 95% better.” Patricia
“Several years ago, my mother who was 84 years young, shared with me the soap ‘cure’ for night time leg cramps.
“I respectfully asked, ‘And just what kind of scientific principle do we have working here?’ She just said, ‘Go ahead and laugh, it works!’
“I’m a type II diabetic and have long suffered from occasional cramps that were excruciatingly painful, especially ones that affect the front of the shin. They literally bring tears to my eyes.
“I didn’t give my mother’s words of wisdom much thought for quite a while. Arriving back home, almost two months went by and it suddenly dawned on me that I hadn’t had a cramp for a long time. I mentioned it to my wife who smiled and asked, ‘Was it about the time when we came back from your Mom’s and I put the soap under the bottom sheet?’
“Sure enough, she had placed a sliver of ‘used’ soap under the sheet and voila, no cramps. That was six years ago and the only cramps I’ve had are when the soap dries out and I replace it doggone fast!
“Nothing had changed in my diet, lifestyle or bedroom, except the soap. To you skeptics, it may not work for you, so don’t do it; no need to rain on someone else’s parade unless you’re just plain mean-spirited.” T.J.
Skeptic Convinced Cramp Remedy Works:
There are lots of skeptics out there when it comes to soap stories. But sometimes even the skeptics are convinced:
“I have been suffering from severe violent leg cramps that seize up my muscles, usually the inner thigh but sometimes the calves as well. They cause me to cry out in pain, wake me up and make me walk/dance around for awhile until they finally subside. They also make my legs feel sore the next day, as if I had exercised strenuously.
“When I heard about the soap remedy, I was skeptical. All the same, I bought a couple of bars and put them between the sheets. Presto! No more cramps for about a month now. It does, indeed, defy logic but it works. Perhaps someday we’ll discover the mystery of why.” D. Levine
If you would like to read a more detailed analysis about the controversy over soap in the bed, Derek Page posted a thoughtful essay and a hypothesis about the possible mechanism on our website.
We know that soap will not work for everyone. People have told us they were quite disappointed when it didn’t do the trick. Neither mustard, V-8 Juice nor tonic water is a panacea. What works well for one person may not do anything for another. That is true not only of home remedies but also pricey prescription drugs.
We have created two products for people to try, “Bed Soap” and “Leg Soap.” Unlike regular bar soap, the People’s Pharmacy Bed Soap is bigger and flatter so it is not uncomfortable in bed. It also has a light lavender scent to help facilitate sleep (research has shown that lavender is a sleep promoter: Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, June, 2014).
Soap in the Socks:
We have also heard from many people who put soap in their socks.
“The cramps from which I suffer travel no further than my feet and have at times been almost unbearably painful. Putting the soap inside each bed sock seemed a logical way of directly targeting the problem area (and I didn’t want to waste a drop of ammunition against these rotten little so and so’s!)
“Whether this hypothesis is ever elevated to the status of theory or is debunked and treated with scorn by researchers will not alter the fact that from the very first night I put soap inside my bed socks, I have been cramp-free.” G.N.F.
“It didn’t seem as though putting soap in my bed worked well for me. I wear socks at night, both summer and winter, because of cold feet. Every time, when using a sliver of any kind of soap in each sock, they keep the leg cramps away.
“When I have forgotten to do this, I have often had these cramps. Getting up and putting the slivers in my socks always stops the cramps within a minute or two. Otherwise the cramps may remain for long periods of time.” L.P.
“I noticed that Corn Huskers Lotion has a high glycerin content. When I get leg cramps at night after a day of vigorous exercise, I have rubbed this all over my legs, and the cramps go away. I let it dry and climb back into bed and am not awakened with cramps again that night.
“I keep soap chips with me in the car because I sometimes get leg cramps on my shins when driving. When I stretch my legs, the cramps just move to the unstretched part. When I put soap on the cramping part, the cramp goes away and doesn’t come back (I put it in my sock).” K.A.F.
We created Leg Soap several years ago to make it easy to get the pre-cut chips to fit smoothly into socks. We came up with the idea after we heard from a listener to our radio show who had restless leg syndrome (RLS). She suffered terribly on long international airplane flights and came up with the idea of putting soap chips in her socks to help her survive the long trips. That’s when we decided to make it easier for people by creating Leg Soap.
We are offering a special opportunity. For the next month, anyone who buys either Bed Soap or Leg Soap will get a free copy of Graedons’ Guide to Leg Pain. This $3 value is yours free with each order of People’s Pharmacy Bed or Leg Soap. In it you will learn about lots of other leg cramp remedies and special exercises to reduce the risk of muscle cramps, as well as nutrients like calcium, magnesium, potassium and B vitamins to prevent cramps. There are also details about the dangers of quinine. Finally, you will learn about various approaches to dealing with restless leg syndrome (RLS), the creepy, crawly feeling that can drive some people to distraction. More details about Bed and Leg Soap at this link.
John
Tried soap, tonic (quinine) water magnesium supplement & such but recently discovered a traditional Amish remedy — It works for me, stopping cramps within a minute or two! Since using it I got restless leg or painful cramps less and less often till now I rarely need it . . . in fact I can’t recall the last time I did.
Carole D.
Palm Bay, FL
I have suffered from leg and toe cramps off and on all my life. I remember as a child screaming at night and my mother coming into my room and massaging my legs. Like everyone else, I have tried many things over the years and FINALLY found something that works instantly for me. It is called CRAMP-Z Leg Cramp Relief and it is amazing. I just spray it on the cramp and rub it in with my fingers for a few seconds and bingo, cramp gone! It is 100% natural with the active ingredient being Magnesia Muriatica along with other trace minerals. I swear by it. While looking at the bottle just now I noticed that it says it also relieves RLS. I will definitely try it for that as well. Instructions says spray on each leg twice a day but since it works instantaneously I just use it when I have a cramp. Blessings to everyone who suffers from these horrible cramps!
Linda
Pittsburgh, Pa
After reading all the above comments and remedies for leg cramps, I am definitely going to try some of all of them. Will write again when I find which works best for me.
Josh
US
I detoxed from alcohol and am now paranoid I have alcohol neuropathy. My calves and feet are cramping up so bad at night in bed that I involuntarily scream out. Obviously I need to see a doc, but I’m going to try some of these remedies in the meantime. Fortunately I love mustard and pickle juice. Tonight it’s that and some Aspercreme. I hope this isn’t permanent.
Jan
Texas
I have been having ankle cramps off and on since foot surgery a few years ago on one foot, and more recently on the other. They are excruciating, as you all know.. my doc recommended Hylands Leg Cramps which works like a charm for me, but I ran out last night and found this page while searching for remedies. Can’t do quantities of mustard or pickle, ugh lol. But I had a bottle of magnesium oil and it worked within a minute or so. Took half a dose orally and then rubbed it into both ankles, and was back asleep in no time. I did put a bar of soap in the bed too, don’t know whether it gets any credit but I was desparate.
Don
Maryland
I found the resolve!! I use pure Magnesium oil and spray it on the muscle about 1 hour before bed and NO CRAMPS NO MORE!!!!! I went to the vitamin shop and the guy told me he gets them too and he uses the magnesium oil and it works, so I bought some and man what a relief. It has been a couple years now and I now don’t have to use it as much. The muscle now gives me plenty of warning that it is going to cramp so I just spray some and rub it in and just like that the slight warning cramp goes away. I have not had to use it now for about a month, but have it on hand just in case of another warning. It is important though that you don’t put it on after a shower because the salt in it goes into the spoors because of the hot shower. The spoors then being open absorbs it much faster and and it stings. also keep your underwear on when spraying….
Stevie D
Macon, Georgia
I occasionally have calf and feet cramps. I was reading these remedies and comments in hopes of preventing a case of cramps tonight. Low and behold if I didn’t start giggling about the soap stories and caused myself a whopping foot cramp! I could not get any relief from spoons full of mustard, soy sauce, baking soda, or pickle juice (dill or sweet). I am one ingredient away from being a marinade! Then I slipped a bar of soap into my sleeping stockings and WA LA, I have seen the light. I just needed a bath.
Donna P
Tennessee
I’ve had leg cramps for years mostly in my calves. Then my husband and I were doing more manual work and getting hot and sweating and then we would stop for a bite to eat on our way home. I would get one of these thigh leg cramps like I am getting now and I would jump up so fast that people thought there was something bad wrong. The pain is so bad that I have to stand in one place and put pressure on my leg, while doing that I am moving back and forth in that same spot making a scene. I definitely get everyone’s attention. So what I do is kind of keep my head buried in the wall trying to get rid of the pain. When I am hurting that bad there is no way that I can raise my leg up to put any kind of medicine on the back of my thigh. I have to stand there and wait till it is over.
OK so now, I am having these cramps again without getting hot. I have them in the middle of the day and at night before I even go to bed. They are miserable! I looked at all of the suggestions that you all have but when I am having one of these cramps I can’t make it to the refrigerator, I am lucky to make it to my feet and then to find a door or wall to lean against to try and stretch that muscle out and there is nothing fast about it either. I am almost in tears every time I have one of these. I feel for all of you.
Sharlimar
Trinity County, CA
My leg cramps are like yours, no way to make it anywhere, trying to stand, still cramping. Today is the first time that apple cider vinegar hasn’t helped. The several years I have been getting the cramps now finally caused me to get desperate. I now carry a small glass (old vanilla bottle) filled with the vinegar in my purse. I keep another bottle in the kitchen. I keep a bottle of seltzer water that has quinine in my car where I can reach it, but where I can cover it with a thick cloth so as to not bake it when we have hot weather. I have read (today) that people sometimes get bad side effects from quinine-so buyer beware. (I didn’t know this when I was given the quinine seltzer water, but I personally didn’t get side effects the one time I needed it). After reading today, I may drink a little less milk to reduce the calcium a little (still need it for bone density). My meds have potassium added so I will think of having some magnesium since I also read something about that. But I definitely don’t eat enough green leafy vegetables and I sweat a lot so apparently am needing to change a few habits. I would have just stuck with what works for me, but like I said, today the Natural apple cider vinegar didn’t work as it usually would.
Peter
Australia
Millions of people around the world are affected by night cramps in the legs. Me too. Tried everything such as salt, exercising, and heaps of other things. This also caused lack of sleep, leading to forgetfulness and fatigue.
Couple of months ago came up with a simple fix. Since that date months ago never had to take any salt or do any exersise. Never had any cramps (Not once or at all).
How? simply place a couple of standard bricks, one under each leg of the bedhead so am sleeping in a slightly raised position. If you want can place 2 bricks under each bedhead leg,
Simple easy fix.
A bit like years ago had heart blockages and was facing Bi-pass surgery. Someone told me about a simple mixture of lemon with peel, garlic sugar and water vitamised and mixed and taken over a seven week period (1 glass daily) all blockages cleared so no need for surgery.
Sharon
ON
I always keep pickle juice in my refridgerator bc it works for me 100% in 2 to 5 minutes and the cramps are gone! If my leg feels tense and I am afraid to go to sleep bc I might get a cramp in my thigh, I bring a glass of pickle juice to my night table so that I don’t have to be in extreme pain trying to get down the stairs to the fridge. It is the most excruciating pain I have ever experience in my life, especially when the pain radiate to my lower back and hip and then I cannot walk.
C
KS
What is the recipe, dosage you used for the no-bypass cocktail? Thanks
Wendy Pryor
NC
Oh, thank God I found this site! I was in the most excruciating pain of my life tonight. I had a cramp in my foot going up my calf & then into my thigh, behind my knee. I’ve had cramps most of my life but never one that went into my thigh! I took the mustard & I found some V8 juice in fridge that I added extra salt to & so far so good! The cramp was so severe I could barely get on my feet. I was in tears. Thanks to all for this info.
LaVerna
Arizona
As a diabetic I have suffered with severe leg cramps From my legs up to my sides I take a big tablespoon of mustard at night before bed and it helps With no mustard I used pickle juice and wha la! Some relief finally!
The gabapatin I take doesn’t’ help my nerves so Im waiting on some other nerve medicine.
Roger
Florida
Half a banana works every time for me.
Viv
AL
I sometimes have severely painful leg cramps in my upper legs at night. What works for me is anything that contains salt. I keep a bottle of soy sauce in the fridge just for this purpose. Soy sauce has a rather strong taste, but the pain of these cramps is so bad that I’ll do whatever it takes to stop them. When the cramps hit, I hobble my way to the kitchen and I hit the bottle! I take a couple of gulps of soy sauce followed by some plain water to wash it down with and relief comes very, very fast. I’ve also used yellow mustard and pickle juice and they work too. These all have one thing in common – they are high in salt which contains sodium.
Johnnye
Mississippi
It doesn’t surprise me to notice that many of these remarks were written in the wee hours of the morning! That’s when I am usually awakened with intense, excruciatingly painful muscle cramps in the backs of my thighs all the way down my legs to my feet. Usually massaging the muscles and standing up stretching for a few minutes will help, but not this time. I’ve been awake since 4:30 a.m. so (in desperation) I Google’d “fast help for severe leg cramps.” Thank you all so much for the suggestions. I took potassium, calcium and magnesium supplements washed down with a glass of water, ate a spoonful of mustard (more water), and if I had bar soap in the house (which I will get tomorrow) would try it, but I only have liquid soap. I’m warming my heat pad and will try lying down for a while with it under the backs of my thighs in hopes of another hour’s nap without pain (which has now eased). Again, thank you all!
jack
Tolar , Tx.
I have had lower leg muscle cramps at night on and off most of my life. Often calcium tablets were enough to keep most away but as I got older I added magnesium and ten years later I added Potassium citrate. However , at 62, I started having upper thigh cramps for the first time ever. They are truly terrible ! I thought hard about them and realized It might be overall acidity since I had been drinking more coffee than usual and working later so I put 1/2 of a level teaspoon of arm and hammer baking soda in a small teacup of water and drank it about an hour before bedtime and it works !! But if I get to forgetting it the cramps return. I will jump up and hoble to the kitchen and make some up and drink it and in about 3 minutes I get relief and the cramps are gone ! You are blessed if you share this !!
Ken
Springs SA
I have MS and suffer with cramps and RLS have tried all types of drugs, none of them work. I am going to try mustard and soap, will give you feed back
Ann
NV
I have had severe leg cramps for years. The thing that works best for me is Aspercreme. I keep it at the bedside, and rub it on the cramp area. The pain is gone within a minute or two. I will try some of these other remedies.
tom
san antonio,tx.
Thanks to all, am gonna try them all.
Francoise
Vancouver BC
I use Leg Cramps ointment (Hylands), it contains aconit and stops the spams… a miracle for me… so painful and incapacitating.
Sophia
Virginia
I started getting severe Charlie horses in my calfs at night, even when I was fully asleep. They would hurt so bad I could barely walk the next day. I prayed to our father in the heavens Jehovah because there is no cure/medicine to treat them and I was in so much pain at night. God answered my prayers!
What worked? Elevation. Propping my legs up at night prevents them from cramping. I use pillows. And drinking a little vinegar mixed with a glass of water at least every other day can help too.
Shelley
Eastlake OH
Before reading this my husband was having terrible thigh cramps to the point of tears, my husband is tough he never cries. I had made him a snack and add yellow mustard just because he likes it. Within minutes the cramping stopped. He is currently sleeping like a baby, it worked. Thanks for the remedy!
Bev
Pittsburgh
Thank u all for these home remedies! Hopeful I may actually get some sleep tonight!
Floyd G.
Virginia
I have had cramps in lots of places but by far the worst one is the inner thigh! One night I had them in both legs at the same time…excruciating pain…made me make noises that I didn’t know I had in me. Several years ago I had heard about the soap in the bed from an older lady and at the time I thought “YEAH RIGHT” After experiencing that level of pain,I would try anything.
I’ve had a bar of soap in my bed for about 5 years now and I have had only 2 of those cramps in those 5 years. It may not work for everybody but it certainly has helped me….go figure..just a bar of soap. When you experience that much pain you will try almost anything!
Eden
Canada
I have suffered from severe leg feet and muscle cramping on a nightly basis for the last few months, I have tried everything from essential oil’s to multi vitamins and muscle relaxants, but they have been cramping so bad lately that I started researching online for more ideas on what natural remedies might be out there when my medication doesn’t help. While I thought mustard was a little far fetched, I have been proven wrong.
I woke up in tears at 2am with severe cramps from my hips right down to the top of my feet I took a heaping teaspoon of mustard and after about ten minutes it was much easier to tolerate. I don’t know if it was the mustard itself or the combination of getting up and moving around and getting the circulation going again but I appreciate the ideas and I will certainly be trying this a few more times Wishing you all the best and thanks for the ideas
David
Chicago
I don’t know what’s wrong but for the last 3 nights I have been awakened by horrible leg cramps. Then I can’t get back to sleep for a long time. So now I’m sleep deprived but scared to go to sleep in fear of another cramp. A vicious cycle! So thanks for the good info. I don’t even have to go out to store since already have ACV, soap and mustard in the house so will try using them all before taking a long nap today, hopefully crampfree!
Pilgrim
Florida
Have leg cramps frequently at night. Have found that the product No Salt works immediately to cure the cramp. I simply wet the back of my hand with my tongue, place about 1/4 teaspoon on the wet spot, ingest it into my mouth, drink water sufficient to remove the salty taste and the cramp leaves almost immediately. No Salt is , I think , mostly potassium. Works for me every time.
SHIRLEY R
St. Louis Mo.
Never called on Jesus soool much during leg, feet & muscle pain. Icy Hot works for small muscle pain but the BIG LEG/THIGH PAIN calls for STRONGER METHODS. Gonna try some of these remidies today/night..Thanks all cause my doctor had NO IDEA & avoided the subject..Got a NEW doctor.
Gelly
I have suffered from terrible leg cramps (calf & thighs) that can last for days and occasionally my hands will cramp as well. So, trust me this stuff works – Caleb Treeze Organic Farms – Stops Leg & Foot Cramps, 8 oz.
The name seems hokey and ridiculous but it really does stop leg cramps in 30 seconds or less. I warn you now it tastes awful but put a cap of it in a glass of water if you can’t handle strong apple cider vinegar taste.
However, if you are REALLY in pain, take it like a shot and within 30 seconds to a minute you will feel relief. You can even rub it into your leg for the truly awful ones.
CINDY
WASHINGTON
I SUFFER FROM LEG AND FOOT AND ARCH CRAMPS “ALL THE TIME: THE ONLY THING THAT HELPS IS “BENGAY” IT MIGHT NOT SMELL GREAT BUT IT WORKS. SOMETIME THE CRAMPS COME BACK IN A FEW HOURS AND I RUB IT ALL OVER AGAIN: I TRIED EVERYTHING AND STILL LOOKING FOR THE CURE: when I drive for about 1 hr that night the cramps are worse…I think it is the way my foot and leg are position while driving. OH AND MAKE SURE YOUR SHOES ARE BIG ENOUGH. DON’T BE PROUD MAKE –THEM WIDE AND LONG. I WENT UP A SIZE AND HALF IN SOME SHOES…
A Bev
Leicestershire, UK
I have just started taking magnesium tablets in an attempt to try ‘prevention being better than cure’. The only cure that has worked for me (although I’ve not tried mustard – I hate the taste) is jumping into an almost scalding hot bath. You can literally see the thigh muscles uncramp and the relief is tremendous after such horrendous pain. I have circulation problems following a DVT episode 15 years ago and I’ve suffered from night cramps on and off over the years but usually when I’ve been dehydrated or undertaken strenuous exercise or both. The pain is beyond belief and sometimes worse than labour because the area can be larger if it’s in both thighs, across the groin and down the back of them. I had 2hrs sleep last night. I’m so tired of being scared of cramp.
Phil
NC
I have just had an high inner thigh muscle cramp – had them before but none that has lasted for 15 minutes. They use to be only about 2 or 3 minutes, then they would subside and go away. They always occur when I have spent several hours in my Lazy Boy recliner. I has very busy all day in and out of the car and walking around shopping in stores.
At 75, I am still active, but not superman any longer. After a long nap and watching the news, the pain started and knowing what was coming, I forced myself up onto my feet and went through 15-minutes of hell trying to walk it off, while all the time screaming at the top of my lungs.
I’ve been on the internet researching anything to do with what this is and what to do about it, and thanks to all of you, I have a considerable list of presumed cures. Having some of the ingredients around the house, I’ll be trying several of them tonight and with a lot of prayer, I hope I do not have a repeat performance of “hell on earth”.
Marge
Canada
I just woke up with cramps in both upper thighs
When I could finally make a few steps I went into the kitchen got the iodized salt wet my finger stuck it into the salt, and put it under my tongue, then drank a glass of water, tried stretching my legs in an up and down position by hanging onto the cupboard, for about 30 seconds, an then within a minute my cramps were gone. Works every time.
Olaf
Colorado
I had the gout for years. The rich mans disease. Allopurinol will help but stop drinking expensive alcohol dont eat shellfish and assperigus? Not sure on that spelling… .gout is caused by your bodys inability to process uric acid in your body. It builds up in your toes and can move up your legs. The Allopurinol removes the uric acid in your urine.
darlene
North Carolina
I also suffer with very bad leg cramps, my pain mngt. doctor prescribes me a cream made in Fla. it has lidocane, prilocaine, gabapentin, amytriptiline and ibuprofen. I usually soak in hot bath with epson salt then rub my legs,however this does not last all nite and it is very messy. I think I will try soap under sheets. All other remedies listed here do not work for me.
SRG
I get these sometimes and it’s the worst pain you can imagine. I wake up in the middle of the night and the unbearable pain lasts about 30 seconds and then it’s gone and i fall instantly back to sleep. The next morning I can’t move my legs and i can only walk without pain after midday.
Jon
Fresno, CA
I have suffered with severe nocturnal leg cramps for years – – mainly in the back of my thighs, but also in my feet and calves. Nothing worked to relieve them, until I tried Ivory soap under the bottom sheet at night. I became very interested in why/how it works, and did a little research. Seems the most commonly held belief is that it is the essence of lavender in the soap (that’s supposed to be why Ivory works so well – contains lavender oil and not a lot of other stuff like deodorants). So, I bought a small bottle of concentrated lavender oil, mixed it with extra virgin olive oil according to directions available on line, and now use a small amount as a “lotion” on both legs and feet each night before going to bed. Makes the bed smell nice, and NO LEG CRAMPS !!
Abdul
UK
Some of the stuff I read were just ridiculous and utterly stupidness. Sayang thought my mum developed this inner thigh pain in that last few days and I must say the pain I see her in literally frightens me. So at this point I am willing to try anything.
I will try and see what work. I pray this problem goes away and never get to try thelse.
WHITEFISHBAY
WISCONSIN
While shoveling snow in the late night hours, I fell to the ground when my left back thigh (hamstring) cramped. It was the first time I had ever experienced a leg cramp, and I was unable to relieve the pain for more than 30 minutes. I assume I was dehydrated and had over-worked the thigh muscle. I had read about a local high school athlete who suffered from extreme leg cramps during his tennis matches, and the standard medicine/tonic water, etc., recommended by physicians, didn’t work. What did work was drinking pickle juice prior to the tennis match.
In the last three years, after working long hours outside and most likely being dehydrated, I’ve had 5 episodes of severe upper back thigh leg cramps and immediately drank pickle juice. Within several minutes of drinking the pickle juice the cramp ended.
I highly recommend drinking pickle juice before bedtime and/or prior to physical activity for those who have suffered from leg cramps.
jarod
North Vancouver, BC
An advice from my -elderly- sister-in-law, whereas I am an elderly man: After getting out of the bed right the way when you feel the pain, rub, immediately, on it the juice of freshly cut lemon! Any way: squeeze juice into your palm, or directly with the cut half of the lemon, and apply (rub) the juice to the entire area of the cramp. Works with me like a charm. Just killed one in my inner thigh as usual, debilitatingly painful. In seconds. Walk through the treatment.
Chris
Duncan BC
Pickle juice is the BEST! Saves me every time, I get dehydrated I believe, then Wham!! Upper thighs, true agony and very real fear and panic. I drink a good juice glass of pickle juice ( and eat a couple or three, I love them) and relief is swift every time. Sympathy to ALL of you, try it!
Janice
Wilmington, N C
This is so interesting. I was on vacation and after much walking suffered from leg and feet cramps each night. I called my doctor and he recommended one tablespoon of mustard and 2 tablespoons of dill pickle juice. Do not mix together.
I never travel without these and my measuring spoon. Works instantly.
Gert
alabama
My leg cramps started when I was on zocor. Stopped the zocor, but the cramps are still with me. I can’t take magnesium due to my ibs-d, but I do apply magnesium oil (lots of it!) twice daily. Nada. I’ve been taking potassium iodide drops, applied to my skin with dmso, but that only gives sporadic relief. What can I do?
Ester
Texas oh Texas!
Thank you for all the information! Hopefully, one or all of these remedies will be a successful and happily ever after forever ending to these painful cramps.
HAPPY DAYS!
William
California
I have these leg pains, right in the calf and always at night. They are so bad that I almost scream with agonizing pain and one just lies there helpless wait for it to go away.
It is absolutely the worst pain I have ever endured in my life. The problem I am having is one of malfunctioning nerves in my lef. They need acetic acid which is converted by the body into more usable acids by the nerves and when short of this usable acid they spasm and the results are cramping muscles.
That’s why the Amish formula with its ingredients works so well, both internally and topically. I am glad you guys carry this old Amish formula in your store. Good stuff.
sue
socal
Try Amish formula for leg and foot cramps you get on line. Had an horrendous spasm lastnight and it was gone in one minute. Pickle juice works also.
John
georgia
I have been having severe leg cramps for 40 years and have tried many of these remedies with no success. I haven’t tried the yellow mustard yet, but will soon.
ANNA
Chicago, Il.
The mustard solution works for me every time. When I feel the cramp coming I immediately take a tablespoon of the yellow mustard. Has worked every time within minutes. A lifesaving remedy.
kim
georgia
i know that the pickle juice works within minutes for both my husband and myself ….. i am interested in finding out about the soap as thats what im gonna do right now go put soap in bed.thanks cant wait to see the results or should i say feel the results
Jann
Idaho
I have suffered with debilitating inner thigh cramps that happen at night when I am sound asleep. I wake up in miserable pain and there doesn’t seem to be anything that relieves it. Eventually when I can get to my feet I walk or rather limp around in misery until finally after 10 or 15 minutes they begin to subside. In desperation I looked up this condition on line and found that someone who suffered with the same symptoms said that taking a daily dose of magnesium taurate worked for her. I immediately got some – it has to be specifically magnesium taurate. It is not easy to find but Super Supplements had it. It worked. I only get the cramps if I run out of the supplement.
Elizabeth
Michigan
I have suffered from restless and tingling feelings in my legs after long flights and/or drives across country. I used the soap in my bed which helped when I arrived, but last year, when I traveled to India I made a couple of small packets with Velcro closures and placed a hotel size soap bar in each one and then inserted them in the socks I wore during the trip. I arrived in India and back in Michigan with no signs of the prior problems with my legs.
I now have my packets placed with my other travel gear so they are ready for my next long journey.
Joan
Georgia
My husband was having bad leg cramps at night. Stopped taking his Lipitor and all pain is gone ! Never had them till he started taking statins.
Jim
land o lakes, fl
I have responded to similar articles on here several times. I take a teaspoon of plain old yellow mustard and my cramp(s) are gone within 3-5 minutes and don’t come back! I keep some of the mustard packets you get at a fast food place in the glove box of my car. I recently had a bad cramp in my neck. Pulled to the side of the road, ate the mustard and within 1 minute the cramp was gone!
I don’t care why it works, I just know it does!
Arlene
Glen Ellyn IL
I tried the soap thing with no help what so ever. I’ve tried stretching at night with little help. Regarding the yellow mustard, what I’ve read is that the reason it works is because it has vinegar in it. Marathon runners frequently carry packets of yellow mustard for when their legs start to cramp up because it is an easy way to get the vinegar without throwing up. I tried straight apple cider vinegar and it works great, but my throat burned all night long. The leg cramps have been worse in the winter, then it occurred to me I’m eating fewer salads and most salad dressings have vinegar. So I went back to the salads with vinegar dressing and get substantial relief. Yesterday I had salad with balsamic vinegar and made it through the night with no cramps, just cats walking all over me.
Brooke
MN
I have taken magnesium twice a day for years,still get muscle spasms,I’ve used tonic water, soap in the bed and none of these work for me. Have yet to try the mustard but the ingredient in it most likely to be of help is turmeric. It’s a natural anti inflammatory. I’ve just ordered some Turmeric pills so will see how they work. I have used capsaicin cream or icy hot on the affected muscles and that does work well to relieve the spasm. after the fact,but one still gets woken up in pain . If I put it on my legs from my toes to my thighs maybe I could prevent them…
Jann
Coeur d Alene, ID
Have you tried Magnesium Taurate? It works for me. Best of luck.
Austin
Australia
I used to get calf cramps often at night, interrupting my sleep. The cramps went away after I began regular use of bee pollen in granule form. It is rich in magnesium and it works just great for me! At around $12 for a week’s supply it is affordable.
Eric
Vermont
A less expensive solution would be magnesium supplement pills. I use 1 500mg tablet a day. It is labeled as 125% of the MDR. It costs 6cents a pill. It seems to have solved my nighttime leg cramps and prevents the cramps that previously stopped my swim workouts.
Terry Graedon
A dose of 500 mg at one time might not work for everyone. See this article: https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2016/03/14/how-to-maximize-the-benefits-of-magnesium-supplements/
Dianna K
indiana
I have not had many issues with leg cramps until this past year. My brother has had them, and told me about the soap thing, and how it worked for him. I tried it with some success in the lower leg but not with my thighs…. With the inner thigh cramps that seemed to wrap themselves around the leg or thru the pelvic area and into the other leg as well, nothing seemed to work or took what felt like forever to work. I do not remember where I heard about the mustard working to stop the cramps so I tried it and it helped some, so I tried it again, but this time I accidently squirted a really big glob of the stuff in my mouth . Within minutes the cramps started to subside. I was so relieved. I have been using it ever since, making sure I take about 2 Tablespoons of the stuff. I am not particularly fond of the flavor of mustard, but now keep a supply on hand, and packets in my work bag. It really works well for me.
Cary
Savannah, GA
This actually works, not kidding. After several years of excruciating inner thigh cramps, they recurred tonight. I fell onto the bed, writhing in pain. I also noticed that compressing the muscle with my hands relieved the pain.
During bicycling, I wear broad elastic/Velcro knee braces…so I crawled to the next room and wrapped the knee brace around my thigh.
It seems to prevent the pain from recurring! The first effort that ever brought relief…and immediately, C
Cindy Black
I love reading all these comments. There’s so much wrong with the internet, but so much right also — and this represents the best of the “rights.” Power to the People! and Power to the Peoples Pharmacy! Cheers, Cindy
Marcia
Virginia
I used to have terrible night time leg/foot cramps. I started taking Magnesium twice daily to help reduce insomnia and found out that my leg cramps totally went away!!! I have found that Magnesium helps just about everything!
Nancy
Conover, N C----
Here is a new thing I am concerned with. I have had gout since early June. It is so much eased-up now, but my feet are still tender and very swollen. The gout had gotten me for fairly brief periods, previously, but it went away within several days. I’d recently had my diahretic perscription doubled by the cardio-dr. After a couple months of constant gout, I read that diahretics taken regularly could (or would?) bring on the gout!!! I immediately stopped taking it…The gout has improved since then, but I’d really like to have my feet back to their pre-gout condition. Any ideas? I am taking cherry capsuels and celery seed….
Olaf
Allopurinol….read my post about gout on this page. I hope it helps you :-)
joan montana
north carolina
nothing to add found all comments interesting
don
Tasmania
I have suffered from thigh,groin, and total leg cramps since undergoing radical spine surgery and have been laid up for days with the malady, I HAVE THE CURE ! ask your doctor for a script for “QUININE” Tablets and keep them by at times . Regardless of the severity they WILL WORK ,takes about 5 to 10 minutes whilst lying flat on yor stomach with feet outstretched ! when you are able.
Good Luck, Lonerida
SDW
seattle, wa
I do Pilates reformer classes and get leg cramps if I don’t keep up a steady diet of magnesium pills – 250mg 2x a day; one before bed helps with sleep also. I suspect the foods that provide relief are actually supplying some missing but needed mineral to the muscle, soap, no idea about why it might be effective!
Babs
San Diego,
It is reassuring to read that others have suffered from the pain of these spasms. The first time I had it I was in an electric reclining chair and the pain came in both of my thighs. I was hysterical and could not move quick enough to lower the chair and almost tipped the darn thing over. Honestly it was embarrassing as my adult children were there to witness it. I take magnesium at night, have the magnesium spray, but have not tried mustard (I don’t like mustard). The latest attack I was home alone and in our loft, it hurt to go down the stairs and I just moaned, not quite crying, like a wounded animal. Honestly it makes me feel better to know others know the pain as it is so hard to explain.
Judi O
Port St. Lucie, FL
I suffered excruciating leg cramps for years, day and night. I tried orange juice, Gatorade, salt, anything, everything and nothing worked. Even my doctor’s suggestions didn’t work.
One day I asked the lady in the local health food store and she handed me a product which athletes use, called “Electrolyte Lozenge,” made by Natural Sport. Taking one, or if it’s really persistent, two lozenges and letting them melt on my tongue (I use the tangerine flavor) works like a charm. I’ve never been able to figure out why I get the cramps, but this sport product always cures them.
To my horror, when my bottle was nearly empty, I went back to the health food store and they no longer carried the product. In a panic I checked with other stores, who never heard of it. Thankfully, I found a seller on Ebay who does sell it and I stock up from them so I never run out.
My current doctor was telling me one day about his horrible leg cramps and how nothing stops them, so I gave him one of my bottles and he has depended reliably on the lozenges to help him, too.
I do not work for this company or have any connection at all with them, but I will be in real trouble if they ever stop making this product as I have not found anything else that works for my cramps. Gatorade does not work, nor the other electrolyte drinks or products. I hope this helps someone else because if they get the same kind of cramps that I get, in the shins and side of the legs which turn my feet inward, there is no way to message or stretch or walk these off. I would avoid eating whatever causes them, but I’ve never been able to figure it out.
O.G.
SC
One word: magnesium.
Every day, twice a day. Fiddle with your dosage and timing to avoid diarrhea, and use one other than magnesium oxide, the most common but least well-absorbed.
Magnesium works to keep constipation at bay, too. Take it with food to avoid stomach difficulties if you need to.
I also keep mustard ready (the soap trick doesn’t work at all for me) but daily magnesium is my champion.
anniem
I too suffer from cramp, I regularly take magnesium which takes care of it mostly, but still it attacks me occasionally. I live in NZ where the maximum recommended dose is 500mg per day which I take. At present I am visiting the UK where Boots chemist sell magnesium tabs 375mg and the recommended dose is one tab twice daily. I have been taking this and voila no cramps! The extra 150mg per day seems to have done the trick for me anyway. What is the recommended maximum daily dose of magnesium in the US?
David
New Zealand
A half a glass of salty water does the trick (about a 1/4 of a teaspoon
Marge D.
Wisconsin
My mother’s Doctor recommended tonic water. The quinine in it is the active factor. Works for her!
The People's Pharmacy
Your mother’s Dr. isn’t the only one who recommends this home remedy. We’ve heard from many readers that it has helped with their cramps. You can read more here: https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2015/10/04/drinking-tonic-water-prevents-nighttime-leg-cramps/
Mabotse
South Africa Gauteng
I need help with severe leg and foot cramps.tried everything and I’m tired.Will try the soap and see.
Sandy
Las Vegas, NV
I just tried tried this and it worked immediately! I can’t believe it! I have been experiencing night cramps in my calves and feet the last week or so. This morning they were continuing and were so painful I started searching the web for a solution and found People’s Pharmacy.
Thank you so much for your website! I am ordering the soap chips also because yesterday I was leaving for work and my leg and calve were still cramping terribly as I walked out the door. Next time I will just slip a soap chip inside my shoe or sock and I will be good to go!
LARRY
I have had leg cramps and found the best way to stop them when you feel them coming on is to take your thumb and forefinger and to squeeze the area where the nose meets the upper lip as hard as you can and hold it and the pain will go away. It sounds crazy but it works my brother read this in and old book he had and I thought he was fooling around until I had to try it [good luck]
Joni
Homer, Alaska
Wonder if powdered (laundry) soap in the socks would work? Or does it have to be a sliver of bar soap? Does brand make a difference?
Barry
Nevada City, Ca
I can testify to the severe and un bearable pain of leg cramping. Almost always at night.
I’m in the Philippines now, during the hottest month of the year with humidity of 100% every day, and I defiantly see a pattern. The days I sweat the most I can change my wet shirts 8 times a day while working. Even though I feel I drink enough water to hydrate myself, I’m losing the important minerals and chemicals, and wham, I get those terrible relentless leg cramps.
This article is a Godsend to me. Now I will try to find some V8 juice, Magnesium pills, re supply mustard, and I already have tonic water, and of course, bar soap.
Thank you!!
Barry
John
Florida
Thank you.
I don’t know what will work for me. I woke up today and to my horror my right inner thigh cramped so bad I did it know what to do. I could barely move. I looked like a fish out of water I was trying so many positions to make it stop. I had never had this happen to my leg before. I had no choice but to ride it out for almost 10 min. Soon as it stopped I started searching for a cure or remedy. I don’t know why this happened all I know is I will try anything next time so thank you for all different choices.
Mariam
Auckland, New Zealand
Hi, will try these remedies for my daughter. Thank you.
Terrill
detroit
Bennidryl works.
jojo s
England
I too have these horrible thigh spasms. They are so painful I can’t move when I get them and make me cry out in pain. I can be anywhere and get them in a car on a bus out and about or in bed. I have to be careful getting out of bed. I will certainly try some of these remedies and pray that one of them works. Thank you for your help.
Jill
U.K.
When you say yellow mustard what is that? English mustard is yellow but much stronger than french mustard which is also yellow!
So can someone be clear about what kind of mustard.
Mari S.
Magnesium oil spray (available online and through some health/vitamin stores) stops leg cramps almost instantly. It’s also a preventive if sprayed on regularly before going to bed. The spray is good for people who aren’t able to take magnesium pills because of digestive disturbances. It is also available as a liquid that can be massaged into the skin. It’s not really an oil. Though it feels oily, it is really concentrated sea water. You can even make your own (search for directions online).
DO
I’ve used 2 or 3 small pieces of soap in various spots between my sheets for quite a few years. I also take 500 mg of Magnesium daily. Most nights I don’t get any cramps. But, if I do, I grab a small piece of soap and
hold it (if it’s a small area) or slide it up and down my leg (if a larger cramping area.) The cramp subsides very quickly. Sometimes I’ll take a piece of paper towel and hold the soap in place with some scotch tape for
the rest of the night, to make sure it doesn’t re-occur. Works every time.
This would seem to be similar to soap in the socks, except that when I get a cramp it’s not in an area that socks could cover.
vaag
Leg cramps might be the start of A.L.S. Better get checked out soon.
Selma
I used to get leg cramps quite often and tried the soap remedy. It worked fairly well for me but once in a while I would feel a cramp coming on – which always seemed to happen when I moved my legs in the early morning while still in bed. To stop the cramp from forming, I would immediately pull my toes up towards my knee and the cramp would stop ‘dead in its track’. I decided to try a preventative way to stop the cramps from forming. I figured that if stretching out the muscle stops the cramp, why not stretch my legs each night before I go to bed. I hold on to a night table and stretch each leg one at a time, while slowly counting to 20. When stretching, you have to feel the pull in the calf muscle. Voila, it works! My leg cramps have disappeared.
Angela R
I used to get very severe muscle cramps, calves and thighs simultaneously, sometimes on both legs. Very painful, I made a lot of noise, know what I mean? I used 2 tspoons of mustard each night. One night, the cramps were so severe, even 4 tspoons didn’t help. I went on Youtube and 4 professionals advised taking magnesium. It’s a muscle relaxer. I now take 500 mg magnesium, only at night. Sometimes, the cramps start, but they go away very soon, as though the good fairy has chased them away. Good luck to all. People who’ve never experienced them have no idea what they feel like. It feels like the devil is twisting your muscles the way we ladies used to twist the laundry. The more you move, the more they hurt. Magnesium.
Mary
While magnesium may not help everyone, I strongly suspect most of us are deficient in it.
I take it daily and while not always successful, if I forget, it will be worse that night.
I have seen recommendations of taking a dose up to the point where magnesium gives diarrhea, then back off to where it stops.
I have seen a similar recommendation for maximum Vitamin C dosages as well.
I never took that much of either although it may be a good way to determine the maximum for a particular person.
j.p.
Had a T.I.A. about a year ago. Now walk 2 mi/day and take Lipitor–10mg. After a while started getting leg cramps @ night. Lowered my Lipitor to 5mg. Leg cramps are GONE. Plus a sleep more deeply. My Cholesterol count is well below 200 so I am not concerned about the lower dosage.
fbl
My hubby gets leg cramps occasionally at night but I give him magnesium tablets and it works quickly. I try to get him to take it on a regular basis.
Carolyn
My husband has been suffering from severe leg cramps. The mustard helped but he never tried taking it to prevent the cramps. The soap did not help. What did help was his increased intake of water. When he remembers to drink 4 16 oz bottles of water a day, he does not have the cramps.
Sharon
I suffered with cramps for 50 years, until I started taking magnesium. Gone, unless I skip a dose or do anything that sucks up magnesium from your system, such as stress, and some medications. Cortisone injections for hip bursitis caused 5 days of agony, nearly ruined a trip with my grandson. Magnesium works if you want a permanent solution and don’t enjoy mustard!
Kathleen
san fernando calif 91430
Worked hard for years pickle juice first choice or
vinegar.
white or apple cider or red my daughter played socker for university when girls got leg cramps coach gave vinegar and I promise you and god knows this works immediatly plug your nose swallow very harsh flush with strong glass of oj or your juice of choice and a glass of water behind atleast half and you wont have pain immediatly plus it does your kidney good. And its wont hurt once in a while. I wish you much relief as its given me. Best wishes Kathleen Mercedes
Joan C
I use to get Leg & Foot Cramps at night & while sitting for a long period. I started taking a potassium pill daily & now I hardly ever get them.
marjorie
I have never heard of the mustard cure for leg cramps or the tonic water cure but I will certainly carry both with me in my car and do always have them at home. Bananas have always worked well for me!
My favorite Peoples Pharmacy cure is Archway Coconut cookies for diarrea. Normally 1 small cookie does the trick for babies, small children, me and oh yes evan my dogs. I gave 1 to my daughters Beagle when she had a bout and it did the trick. While her vet didn’t approve and accusing me of giving Josie( the Beagle) more sugar than she needs in her whole life, it stopped the problem immmediately and was super easy to administer without any discernable side effets.