The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
The String Method
Posted by kay (waco, tx) on 09/03/2007
★★★★★
string helps with leg cramps- i keep string tied in a circle just big enough to slip over my foot, next to my bed-when i feel a cramp starting to wake me-- i slip the string on my foot and it stops-- i have no idea how- and have been doing this for about 4 years now -- so i know it works --' a lady at work told me about it-- the cramps were so bad- they would wake me from a sound sleep -- and by the time i walked or rubbed them away -- i was wide awake and had trouble going back to sleep -- some times i put string on both ankles -- i have wore them to work when i was havng trouble with toe cramps--
Pickle Juice
Posted by Reenee (KY)
★★★★★
my sister in law had told me about pickle juice. i know it works! potassium helps but pickle juice dill stops it in its tracks.
Magnesium
Posted by MJ (The US) on 03/23/2025
Hyland's homeopathic Leg Cramps tablets, (am or pm), work all the time. I buy it at Publix but it is sold pretty much everywhere.
You can also tailor a homeopathic remedy to your specific situation, but LegCramps works for me just fine
https://www.drhomeo.com/?s=Leg+cramps
Magnesium
Posted by MJ (The US) on 03/23/2025
Hyland's Cell Salt #8 Mag Phos, Magnesia Phosphorica) relieves diverse cramps and cramping or radiating pain symptoms. Leg cramps, muscle cramps, muscle tension and soreness, abdominal cramping, and menstrual cramps can all be relieved by this natural cell salt without harmful or groggy side effects. For pain relief, Mag. Phos. specializes in cramping or radiating pain symptoms, and it is also an ideal remedy for headaches with darting pains. In general, Mag. Phos. works best for symptoms that improve with heat and worsen with cold.
There are 12 individual tissue or cell salt, or Bioplasma that includes all 12.
Cell salts satisfy mineral imbalances in the body, stimulating the body's natural healing process. When your body lacks these important cell salts, you are more vulnerable to common health concerns. By replenishing them, your body is better prepared to treat illnesses and enjoy better overall wellness. Mag. Phos., the star of every cramp and muscle remedy, is the essential cell salt made from magnesium phosphate, the mineral compound needed to keep muscles in sync with our brains and nervous systems.
Stretches
Posted by GertJr (Madison) on 12/24/2023
I had the same problem and my chiropractor suggested checking my iron. I was very low. Still within limits the dr said was ok, but low. So, I started taking dessicated liver pills and, voila! Cramps are gone.
Stretches
Posted by Elena (Dallas ) on 12/24/2023
There's a great homeopathic medicine Hyland's brand, for legs cramps that work. Sold pretty much everywhere. Also explore Cell Salts.
Pickle Juice
Posted by lisa (idaho) on 08/29/2023
Acid ( in pickle juice) frees up the calcium, by removing it from the bones, then the muscles stop cramping.
not a good long term solution.
Probably the problem is Oxalates tying up the calcium, I would suggest adding extra calcium / mag to each meal and even extra more if lots of oxalates in the meal.+
Magnesium
Posted by Art (California) on 12/17/2022 2529 posts
Lemon Juice
Posted by Mister (EUSSR) on 11/04/2022
★★★★★
When I was doing a prolonged fast, I got serious muscle cramps in my legs at night. These became painful, kept me awake, and also persisted during the day. I drank water with a lot of mineral salts added (sodium, potassium, magnesium, chromium) but the cramps persisted.
This was not sustainable, so on the second or third night, I was about to break the fast. But first I tried drinking various herbal teas with liberal amounts of lemon juice (from concentrate, with sodium sulfite preservative). The cramps disappeared quickly and continued drinking of lemon juice allowed me to continue the fast for a total of 10 days.
The remedy must have been the lemon juice, because the herbal teas were very watery by themselves. I don't know why fasting caused such terrible muscle cramps, but I bet it's either the citric acid or vitamin C that completely relieves the symptoms.
Bill Thompson's Protocol
Posted by Tessa (BC) on 06/01/2024
Thank you, Bill, for the saturated magnesium chloride solution for muscle cramps. As you said, the key is the saturation.
I used a glass Mason jar and filled it up half way with magnesium chloride flakes (I used Ancient Minerals last time, but I've used other brands - no difference).
I added distilled water close to the top and waited for the flakes to dissolve. If they all dissolved, I add more flakes until the bottom of the jar has a layer that remain due to saturation.
Then I pour some of the dissolved liquid into empty glass roll-on deodorant bottles (old Nivea or Ombra roll-on bottles).
Whenever I get a cramp (usually because I've eaten too much sugar), I use the roll-on over the cramp and rub it in the painful area. A short time later, the pain is gone.
I leave these deodorant bottles everywhere in the apartment since magnesium helps with headaches, sore joints and muscles, sleep problems, etc. I even use it as a deodorant but I need to really rub it in or it can sting (don't use right after shaving).
For small burns or irritated skin, I use the magnesium roll-on, then apply a light layer of aloe vera gel and gently pat that in.
Makes a huge difference! Thanks again.
Hope all is well with you and yours.
Cheers, Tessa
Magnesium, Tonic Water
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 10/01/2020
Rebecca, one more thing to try is eating a banana a day.
Bar of Soap
Posted by Lucy S. (United States) on 10/24/2019
★★★★★
Having dreadful foot and leg cramps on chemo. Trying ginger and cayenne. A good cure for regular cramps is placing a bar of soap between your bed sheets. I know, it sounds insane, but it works.
Avoid Cortisone Shots
Posted by Harriet C. (Florida, United States) on 10/02/2019
WARNING!
Cortisone shot are not mentioned under remedies, but I would like to post my negative experience for others who have turned to Earthclinic for remedies for leg cramps.
So, perhaps this could make a new category "Cortisone" and entered under "leg cramps" as a warning to others?
All my life I have had leg cramps like the 9th month of pregnancy. I was desperate and that's when I found Earthclinic some years back.
The remedy of taking ACV turned the tide for me. I take extra magnesium when my body tells me it needs it, but 2 Tbsp ACV and about 1/4 tsp baking soda, fill the cup with about 3 oz of cold water and drink while fizzing generally stops the leg cramps in under a minute.
Last year I had a cortisone shot for what we thought was bursitis. It only helped for about 3 weeks (found out via MRI later I had 2 torn tendons causing the pain). However, the cortisone shot was followed by several DAYS of intense, repeated leg/foot cramps, often both legs at once, that simply would not respond to my remedies (Emergenc-E, powdered magnesium in water, and ACV as noted above).
I slept in a recliner so I could hop up easier. My husband had to help me when I would have an attack (one day it was every 30 minutes!). He said he had never seen me this bad (married 35 years)!
Sometimes I drank the ACV straight (ugh!) because I was so desperate--I looked like I was having a lower body seizure even falling to the floor in agony upending the kitchen chair I grabbed in the process.
I NEVER just fall down as I am a chiropractic patient and I can screw my body up if not careful. Through researching I found out that people who are prone to leg cramps sometimes find that this is a side effect.
My doctor had never heard of that as a side effect, but anecdotal information found via search engine was enough for me to support the validity of my experience! Worst week of my life and now my records are noted to never give me anything in the cortisone family again! I hope this anecdotal information is helpful to prevent someone else from suffering like I did!
Magnesium + Potassium
Posted by Alan M. (Oahu) on 04/06/2019
★★★★★
I swim for exercise. I usually swim 3/4 mile, and I do this several times a week, and have been into this routine for decades. One chronic problem I'd been experiencing is, about half way through my swim I would begin to get slammed with painful cramps in the arches of my feet. I never understood what was causing this problem. But just last year I started experimenting with taking magnesium and potassium supplements, and my foot cramp problem went away and has not returned. I actually tried several different types of magnesium before I finally hit on one that works for me. With dinner I take 400mg of magnesium citrate, and 99mg of potassium chelate.
Magnesium
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 09/26/2017
Grace, try eating a banana a day for leg cramps.
Magnesium
Posted by Gord235 (Vancouver, British Columbia) on 09/26/2017
Try a Calcium-Magnesium combination for leg cramps. Has worked every time for me.
Mustard
Posted by Lily (Atascadero, California) on 12/27/2017
Reply to person with middle finger cramp... I had a severe cramp to my middle finger that caused me not to be able to move it...it was bent and I could not straighten it. A friend got me to try a parafin wax bath (In which) you coat your hand with hot wax) you cover your coated hand with plastic (a baggie will work) Immediatly after the treatment ..I was once again able to move the finger. I had the condition for approximately 2 years..and am happy to say that it has never returned even after 11 years. I now own one of those wax baths but haven't had to use it since the friend let me use hers!
Magnesium
Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 07/29/2014
Greetings Ruth,
About your Hep C and hives and calf cramping...
My guess is that the hives goes back to the Hep C as the cause and not the use of magnesium. I've used Mag for decades with no hives issue. Never heard of one.
I suggest that the neuropathy that you also mention is related to the cramping. Peripheral Neuropathy is being caused by some underlying condition; often sugar issues or myelin sheath damage (MS styled problems). For that, I like to take 2Amino Ethyl Phosphoric Acid (AEP), also called "membrane integrity factor".
It comes in different forms but the most common is Calcium AEP: Read about it ...google "nutrition review calcium AEP"...this is super in dealing with the leg pain issue related to neuropathy.
So: Again my thinking is that the Hep C is causing the hives; that the Peripheral Neuropathy is caused by another underlying problem (could be liver) and the cramping might be helped by AEP.
By the way, have you checked out on this EC site all the posts of "Oscar" on Hep B and C? He uses BHT. You might want to go to EC's "ailments" and scroll to Hep B and Hep C; or to the "remedies" section and see the BHT section.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Stan (Las Vegas, Nv) on 10/18/2013
★★★★★
For muscle cramps, I use 2tbls apple cider vinegar (acv), 1/4 tsp baking soda, 2tbls aloe vera and 8 ounces of fresh pressed apple juice. it works every time for me.
Prunes
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee, Usa) on 07/27/2013
★★★★★
My husband was on a long drive under stressful driving conditions (dark, windy roads, towing a trailer, etc. ) He got a cramp in his hamstring and couldn't drive anymore. (My son was able to take a turn at the wheel. ) He would normally take blackstrap molasses for a cramp, but we didn't have any in the vehicle. We did have prunes, which are high in potassium. He ate 5 of them and his cramp went away! He did take blackstrap when he got home, before bed and woke up feeling fine! Don't eat too many prunes at once or you will end up with stomach cramps, though.
~Mama to Many~
Point Toes To Nose
Posted by Peter (Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taff) on 04/29/2013
★★★★★
Instant leg cramp relief:
Point your toes to your nose as hard as you can, standing up or lying down all ways work.
Myself and my partner both sufferd with this for many years, total agony, I forget who told me this but it works every time instantly. I was swimming in the freazing cold sea once and got a leg cramp some way out, toes to nose and it went, if I had not known that then I don't think I'd be typing this now.
Oh, and no long lasting after pains :)
Bar of Soap
Posted by Judy Mc (Springfield, Oregon) on 02/04/2013
★★★★★
I use a bar of soap to help from getting woken up by leg cramps, works great for that. Put it directly under bottom sheet and change every month or so. I am still looking for something for my constant RLS. Will be trying a couple of things from this site.
B12
Posted by Tls (Gainesville, Florida) on 01/16/2013
★★★★★
Muscle Cramps:
I have recently started taking b12 shots and suprisingly I have had cramps only a couple times, whereas I was getting them every night.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Usa) on 01/17/2012 2042 posts
Asg01, please accept my addendum as the phrases "leg cramps" and "sleep deprivation" are flashing light alerts for Magnesium deficiency, as the body very sorely needs this as well as many other minerals. As for the Ginger, it is quite possibly not really a cure but a simply a relief as there are no known Ginger deficiencies in the human body. The Coca Cola fix is another sign of mineral deficiency as Cola is loaded with phosphorous, (but causes calcium deficiency).
A few mo ago I started a good Ionic Trace Minerals (72 known bioavailable mins) from the Great Salt Lake in Utah, and immediately (within hrs) felt profoundly better. There are tons of studies and ongoing on the importance of Minerals alone in human and animal health. In Livestock Agriculture, almost all animals in the developed world are supplemented with Minerals as a rule because intensive productivity depraves the soil and foods.
Salt
Posted by Wendy (Perth, Western Australia) on 06/07/2011
★★★★★
I've never been much of a salt user. I've always suffered from muscle cramps on and off but I ended up with horrendous leg/foot cramps during the hot weather this last Summer so I started drinking electrolytes and adding a little sea salt to my cooking. The cramps have completely stopped. Isn't salt required in the cells for electrical impulses to be carried?
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Olivia (Imperial, Ca) on 10/31/2010
★★★★★
I have been taking molasses for about 4 years now and it works like magic. One day I had a leg cramp at night that was so bad I was literally dragging my leg down the hall to the kitchen to get at the molasses. I just dipped the spoon half way into the jar and then ate it off the spoon and drank a little water to get it down. It's the same molasses you will find next to the pancake syrup. My doctor check me for potassium, magnesium and calcium deficiency, but all was normal. I don't know what it is but it works. It has been a life saver. You're able to get right back to bed with no problems.
Acupressure
Posted by Bill (Calgary, Alberta, canada) on 12/19/2012
Another acupressure technique is to gently bite your lower lip.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Palaminolady (The Woodlands,texas) on 08/21/2013
You don't have to swallow it, rub it where the cramp is and it will go away. Also any kind of vinegar will work.
Mustard
Posted by BKay (Bozeman, MT) on 05/25/2009
★★★★★
A great remedy for muscle cramps is mustard. I get muscle cramps in my feet and legs frequently. When I get them, or think they might be coming on, I take a couple teaspoons of mustard and get almost immediate relief.
Bar of Soap
Posted by Kathy (North Platte, NE) on 04/12/2009
★★★★★
Foot cramps, leg cramps: While listening to a hospice nurse talk one day, she happened to tell a story about her father having leg cramps at night. They tried everything possible but nothing would stop them. Until one day someone told him to put a bar of soap under the fitted sheet on his bed, down near his feet. (I use a sport scented soap - but apparently plain soap works too)So I thought, why not try it? I have been having leg and foot cramps for a few years at night, sometimes excruciating pain! The first night with the bar of soap I had no occurence of cramps and I thought it might be the power pf persuasion. But it has been months now and I have had one or two very mild cramps and that is it!! What an easy solution- but I have no idea why it works!
