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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sandy (Oakland, CA) on 07/02/2007
★★★★★
I used to get serious leg cramps and tried vinegar from a recommended home remedy. One to 2 onces of apple cider vinegar brought relief from almost any cramp within a minute or so. A happy side effect was the complete elimination of heartburn. I had an ulcer as a teenager and very serious heartburn as an adult. I used to take wads of antacids, but haven't touched one in over ten years. As an avid bike commuter I became aware of the requirement to drink plenty of water at least 24 hours before riding. This keeps my cramping to a minimum. The total combination of adequate daily water and periodic vinegar (apple cider vinegar is the tastiest and gentlist) and consistent aerobic, sweat exercise has eliminated the above two maladies and when combined with adequate sleep, has eliminated fatigue.
After 15 years of personal experimentation I have become convinced that a regimen of organic, pesticide-free food, adequate water, sleep and daily exercise is the key to be a default state of human health.
Magnesium
Posted by Phyllis (Rockhampton, Australia) on 05/14/2007
★★★★★
I have been dealing with the pain of cramps for a lot of years now, however as I am getting older & the pain is now so painfully excruciating I am going to make sure I get a cure for this problem, NOW. I bought a bottle of "BIO magnesium" last night & out of three nights cramps I didn't get any cramping even though I can still feel the cramp lying in waiting, & I had 12 hours sleep, WOW, I feel like I need mores sleep now because I have been so badly deprived of sleep from the extremeties of the pain. I also bought ?Mersyndol" which the chemist herself said would help me get some sleep, in which it did. I will post my latest knowledge back here again soon!..
Mustard
Posted by Ruth (Banning, California) on 11/27/2006
★★★★★
A teaspoonful of prepared Mustard like Frenchs brings toe and leg cramps relief. I have tiny packets of mustard (that I purchase at Smart & Fiinal restaurant suppliers) and carry them in my handbag and at my bedside for quick relief. It works fast 99% of the time.
Candied Ginger Slices
Posted by Hugo (E Freetown, MA) on 02/27/2006
★★★★★
I WAS ON A DIET SO I MADE LITE CANDIED GINGER SLICES TO SUPRESS APPETITE. I WAS ALSO SUFFERING FROM SEVERE SCIATICA AND BACK SPASMS. AFTER A WEEK BOTH DISAPPEARED. IT WAS BY ACCIDENT THAT I DISCOVERED THE TOTAL RELIEF OF LOWER BACK PROBLEMS. I AM 64 YRS OLD. I HAVE DISCONTINUED GINGER AND MY BACK HAS BEEN PAIN FREE.
Buffered Salt
Posted by Sue (Delray Beach, Fl) on 04/03/2011
★★★★★
My husband was told that when he gets the cramp, to just take a little salt - I put some sea salt in a dish next to the bed - when he gets a cramp, he takes a piece of salt, and is still amazed that the cramp disappears immediately. And he doesn't have to take anything daily because it works!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by David (Chicago, IL)
★★★★★
I saw somewhere that apple cider vinegar cures Fibromyalgia. I don't definitely have it, but was diagnosed with it based on symptoms years ago. I've had muscle spasms varying in severity for 24 years. I just started to come out a 1 1/2 year bout with it. Drank vinegar and have been completely pain free for a week. It's asinine this isn't common knowledge. It feels kind of like an metabolism enhancer too. I'm down to 1 tablespoon twice a day. And I repeat I'm completely pain free. I don't know what was wrong with me, thought it was just something I had to live with. Somebody tell a doctor!
Magnesium
Posted by Art (California) on 12/17/2022 2472 posts
ACV, Ginger, Garlic
Posted by Julie (Seattle) on 11/06/2022
★★★★★
ACV, Ginger, Garlic
3/5 of The Five. I have suffered from debilitating charley-horse type of leg cramps (calves and thighs) that wake me up at night screaming in pain. I have CHF and T2D and it's surely related to one or both of those. I was at my mother's and she gave me StopsLegCramps. Less than a minute and they're gone. I've started taking it at night. Turns out it's 3/5 of The Five for heart problems -- ACV, organic garlic, organic ginger. Miracle as far as I'm concerned.
I'm wondering if adding lime juice and honey to it would work just as well as making The Five myself. It's sometimes difficult to come by the right ingredients to make it, and frankly, I've been too lazy to do it myself, though I know I need to.
B6
Posted by Michele (Clearwater, Florida) on 08/26/2024
Have you tired topical Magnesium get? It will get rid of ANY foot/calve cramp within 5 minutes. I keep some on my night stand.....
Salt
Posted by Clare W. (Banbury ) on 02/17/2021
★★★★★
I had cramping in my calf. Not excruciating, but constant and uncomfortable, for four days. Tried the organic cider vinegar with the mother but it didn't work. I took a teaspoon of Sole (a drink made with pink HImalayan salt and water) which is something I always have. The cramp subsided and left a small residual ache. I only feel it slightly if I put my legs up.
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 Jane (Canada) on 10/02/2020
Take a potassium supplement. Had same issue and bananas and magnesium didn't help but potassium tablets did. People think muscle cramps are magnesium related, and they can be, but they can also be from severe potassium deficiency.
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.
Magnesium
Posted by Orh (Ten Mile, Tn ) on 07/05/2020
Lisa, ORH here, you right on the money gal.
Transdermal is the best way to get stuff into yo body without going through your digestive system. DMSO will drive it in PDQ. SAS..... SIMPLE AS SHEET
==ORH==
Magnesium
Posted by John (SC) on 12/20/2022
This may help others with what I have learned. I work with a person who, since he was a teenager, suffered from muscle cramps for decades in his calves and legs. He was been using and OTC remedy that contained magnesium among other things for the cramps but still got them. I suggested the magnesium flakes solution but he had magnesium which he began using and has some relief but not totally. I researched the condition and was not getting what I needed to help him.
I noticed the post about using hydrogen peroxide and the lack of O2. No one had this mentioned in any articles or some medical information I read yet it is an issue and another part of the cause. My friend knew of a woman who made to order CBD products for people with different problems. He spoke to her about leg cramps issue and she made him some special gummies which probably had CBD oil and some THC. He has to divide the gummie, take a piece at night and for about three days has not had any leg cramps.
When he comes into work he has more energy and feels great. If you look back to history of cannabis you'll find that just before it was declared illegal back in the 30's it was an OTC remedy used often for many medical problems. Let's not forget CBD oil gained popularity after it was successfully used some years ago for a very young child with seizures whose family moved to another state to be able to use the oil on her. She went from having many seizures a day to being almost seizure free.
Soy Lecithin
Posted by Tom (Livingston, Tx) on 05/30/2016 64 posts
★★★★★
Two people I know cured their leg cramps by taking one 1200 mg soy lecithin softgel daily. Taking it evenings might be preferable because that's when I take it to help me sleep and it works great.
Vitamin B-12
Posted by Karen (Florida, US) on 09/04/2015
★★★★★
I've had a lump in my neck for the past few years caused by a chronic muscle spasm. Yesterday, my acupuncturist injected a shot of Vitamin B12 directly into the lump and it disappeared instantly. No more muscle spasm, no more lump. The effect was instantaneous.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 04/05/2015
To Faith,
Re leg cramps...using Pressure Points
If your leg cramps are mainly on one side of your body...left leg more than right leg or the other way around, then the problem is not a nutritional deficiency. More likely it is the pelvis out of place...shifted too high on the cramping side.
I deal with this by placing person on carpeted floor face down with small pillow for neck support. Using my thumb, I begin probing and holding down thumb for a moment or two and then moving the thumb a quarter inch...I'm doing this on hip on side of pelvis, on the aching side. If a few minutes the "patient" will "yelp out" in finding I'd hid a sharp pain. Then the finger is held for 15 seconds and gently released. Do this repeatedly on the sensitive pelvis area where the sensitive area is. Then work down the hurting leg...down the sciatic nerve and there will be more very sensitive zones. Pressure point them too. Patient will be sore the next day and by second will not be hurting nearly so much. This is the use of "pressure points" and can be very helpful.
This is my experience. I also take my hands and hold down on pelvis while patient pushes up like in a push up...gently pushing his lower torso up and against your weight on pelvis. Do this twice. That "push up" technique will also help reset the pelvis back to normal in relation to the lower vertebra.
If you've ever had a hip roll then the patient will be helped by that also. Google that and you will see how a home version could be done. The hurting leg is on top and is rolled toward body.
If patient is somewhat improved a few hours later, then likely the problem is pelvis. I repeat the next day or two. Again, the places where the pressure has been placed will be sore the next day. But better day two.
Magnesium
Posted by Fripfrap (Tennessee, Usa) on 12/02/2014
I've have severe calf cramping and have found Natural Calm works very well. Also Epsom Salts baths. I tried Magnesium supplements in pill form and they did nothing. The absorption through these other delivery systems seem to work much better. I used to have cramps under my breast area which sound similar to your son's. They haven't been around for a while since I've increased my magnesium level.
Magnesium
Posted by Lindainthemountains (Creston, Bc Canada ) on 03/23/2015
I cannot tolerate magnesium orally, yet if I don't take it regularly I get brutal leg cramps and restless leg syndrome. I make a magnesium spray of Epsom salts dissolved in hot water and spray it on my thighs and butt after my shower (every two days. ) I put it there because it tends to sting a bit elsewhere. This regime keeps both leg cramps and RLS at bay, but if I miss just one application, the cramps are back in full force that night or the next.
Magnesium
Posted by Pinkdamsel (West Orange, Nj) on 05/09/2014
I used get charlie horses in my legs at night, and would have to get up and walk them off. Then I bought a bottle of liquid magnesium, and wiping the liquid on my legs would stop the cramp even before I finished wiping. This was my solution for over a year, and I was very happy, even though the liquid mag is pricey. Then one night I was half asleep and grabbed the wrong bottle from the counter. It wasn't until the next morning that I discovered I had used Milk of Magnesia instead of the magnesium which had been put inside a cupboard - but the result was the same! I've retested both versions of magnesium several times , and both solutions work. Maybe the liquid mag is a bit faster.
Hydrocortisone Cream
Posted by Judy (Arizona) on 08/01/2015
Have you ever seen a chiropractor, massage therapist, acupuncturist or "trigger" therapist. The right professional will release that place in your neck. May take several treatments since you'd had it so long.
Tonic Water with Quinine
Posted by Norm (Menifee, Ca, Usa) on 04/19/2012
★★★★★
I take one swig of Schwepps if have a leg cramp and it goes away immediately. It's the quinine that does it. It doesn't matter how old the tonic is or even if it has been opened. The drug stores sell quinine tablets for the same purpose but I find Schwepps works just as well. Besides you can always use Schweppes to make vodka tonics.
Mustard
Posted by Art (Mt. Marion, Ny) on 02/22/2012
Many have mentioned the effectiveness of pickle juice to relieve muscle cramps, well dill pickle juice is usually loaded with mustard seeds. Perhaps it's the salt and mustard thing working hand-in-hand.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Asg01 (Ventura, Ca) on 01/16/2012
After some years of severe leg cramps at night and, occasionally other odd times, I discovered that Pickled Ginger was
not a cure for this sleep depriving problem, but actually a
cure.
I acually eat about two or three ounces several time each week (three or four portions) and have virtually eliminated all muscle cramping. I now never awaken at night. In the past three years, when I have failed to remember or traveled without access, the problem returns until I can restart the regimen.
Unbelievably, for urgent relief of an acute cramp, a few ounces of Coca Cola work like magic. However, should I need quick relief in the future, I will certainly try ACV or Pickle Juice.
Ginger would probably work in any form. The pickled variety I discovered while eating lots of Sushi and have not bothered to try other forms of the plant. Good luck to all.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Madelyn (Idaho) on 05/17/2024
@Veropie13, I'm familiar with the product. The brand is actually called Trace Minerals.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Veropie13 (Reche Canyon, California) on 11/11/2013
I agree with Timh, after taking trace minerals as well, I feel profoundly better. I haven't had consistant bed vacating episodes in weeks. When I do get one it isn't as painful and diminishes quickly. I have tried ACV in these times and it works too.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Crampless (Pittsburgh, Pa) on 04/08/2011
★★★★★
The vinegar works. I knew of this remedy from a friend whose son used get leg cramps. I got a Charlie horse last night. My husband massaged it out but everytime he stopped massaging, it would knot back up. He could feel the muscle knot up like a brick. I told him to get the vinegar. I was in so much pain I drank it straight and the muscle relaxed immediately. My husband could even feel it relax. Caution - stick to a tablespoon or 2. I gulped down so much, the vinegar messed up my stomach, but it was worth not having that pain.
Acupressure
Posted by 2q&learn (Southern California) on 10/02/2020 165 posts
The H. Pylori was gone? (I'm reading your post in the section about Muscle Cramps, so not sure what you are referring to.)
EC: Yes, taking mastic gum for 2 weeks appears to have cured her H. Pylori.
Bar of Soap
Posted by Rooster (Apple Valley, Minnesota) on 08/09/2009
★★★★★
A bar of bath soap placed at the end of the bed have cured my foot cramps that I had for many years. Whenever my wife changes the bed linen and forgets to include the bar of soap, my foot cramps re-appear.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Bobeena (Los Angeles, Ca) on 08/18/2011
the tooth pain is a result of the acv. Vinegar will strip the enamel from your teeth very fast. you should try drinking it with a straw to minimize tooth contact.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kerri (Nj) on 08/24/2016
Yes, it most likely is the ACV. ACV erodes tooth enamel. When taking ACV it is best to mix it in water and sip through a straw.
Mustard
Posted by Flo (Segamat, Johor, Malaysia) on 05/25/2009
Hello! I've been reading Earth Clinic since yesterday. When I came across this Muscle Cramps.... I just had to tell about this "Cramp Keep Away" remedy. No medication, No explanation as to why it works BUT IT WORKS. Not only for me but for my friends who tried it.
What is needed is a cake of soap - any brand. Keep it close to you - in your pocket, on your table, bed, chair etc. You don't even have to take it out of its wrapper. Cramps leave fast and stay away! I found it in a Korean lady's blog a year ago.
By the way I'm going to start on ACV to lower my HBP.
Calcium
Posted by Luvdplanet (Gainesville, Fl) on 09/11/2013
Hello Kathy, I hope you're doing well. I was wondering how many milligrams of the calcium were you taking. My leg cramps at night are really killing me ;o( Thanks! Good Life :o))
Fruit
Posted by PT Sherm (Provo, UT) on 01/21/2009
★★★★★
I accidentally took two diuretic pills right before going to bed, thinking they were other pills and woke up with both legs seized by leg cramps. I was in tremendous pain in both legs like never experienced before. I am alone could not even walk to go get anything else or walk it out. I reached for one of the stored fruit kept stored in my nightstand that I use for low blood sugar for emergencies. I started eating them and within 20 min I could go back to sleep without any cramps. fruit is full of potassium.
Supplements
Posted by David (Paradise, CA) on 04/23/2008
★★★★★
I have had truly excellent results using a product found in some health food stores called Ionic-Fizz Calcium Plus by Pure Essence Labs. It is a little hard to find so I mentioned the product name. Thank goodness I always have some in my kitchen cabinet. After working in the garden all day yesterday I took a nice long shower, changed into my "comfy" clothes and sat down in front of the fire to relax. Within a very few minutes I was seized by a painful leg cramp. I attempted to get up and the cramp got worse...a lot worse. I immediately started to deeply massage it to get the blood flowing and the pain just escalated as the cramp continued to increase in intensity. I managed to hobble into the kitchen bent over nearly double with the pain and got down the container of Ionic-Fizz. The whole time I was scared to death that I would fall to the kitchen floor and would not be able to reach the container or the phone. I quickly mixed a little Ionic-Fizz with regular tap water, drank it and within 30 seconds the pain was completely gone...and did not come back. This has happened three times in the past few months and I just thought that I would pass the information along. No one wants to be in pain and this easy way of eradicating the pain, nearly instantly, is wonderful. You might try it.
Supplements
Posted by Prioris (Fl) on 10/29/2013
I'm just adding my personal experience with fibrolytic enzymes. Whenever I don't take my Nattokinase, I will experience cramping in toes while sleeping or swimming. Cramping may be related to blood flow issues to feet. If other things fail, this may be worth a shot.
