2 BEST Tips to Cure Night Leg Cramps in 2 Minutes

[@margaretmartinpt]

Easy exercises to cure night time leg cramps.

[@roseappelhoff9282]

@margaretmartinpt TY for your post. The miracle to cure night time leg cramps for me was supplementing with magnesium glycinate. Please research. This has also has helped with my insomnia. (Oct 29, 2024)

[@carolrebers6998]

Is this the same as " restless leg syndrome "‽😊

[@happyoutside2558]

When I get cramps it’s always because I have let myself become dehydrated. If I drink water with salt in it, I do not get cramps. One quart of water with one teaspoon or more of salt (I like that Celtic sea salt). If it’s hot and I’m physically working all day I might need two quarts of this water. My naturopathic doctor told me about using salted water. I also take magnesium and potassium.

[@lovemypups341]

What kind of potassium and how much?

[@pamelavance648]

Yesssss Because of last night's leg cramps.. as preventive I have taken about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt let dissolve a bit in mouth and then drink a glass of water.. makes a difference.

[@MHPeppard]

In total agreement with your comments… dehydrated. And I also use a pinch is Celtic Sea Salt or Himalayan pink salt. Used the pink for decades… I recently switched to Celtic Sea salt… I find it helps a bit better with hydration.

[@ms.branch1207]

Thank You ❤

[@Jkm898]

Better than just salt is Apple cider vinegar. Two teaspoons of vinegar in a glass of water before going to bed. Does wonders. One Tbs of vinegar in a glass of water stops the cramps if you’re already having it. This is from experience.

[@skybaby444]

Your techniques are good for cramps that are 1/10 in severity. I had 10/10 cramps for years until I recently learned about adding apple cider vinegar to my water. Saved my life. (I had also been taking magnesium glycinate for a while and that helped somewhat.)

[@susannewendt4543]

As per my reply to Danielle Baker, I take a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water, stir and drink quickly. Then I walk around the house until the cramping leaves. I get a lot of cramps in my legs and this is the only thing I've found to be consistently effective. I hope this helps.

[@christineconti3317]

Thankyou

[@emmaa245]

I found this method in YT. When the cramp wakes you up, put under your tong yellow mustard. I have one little container with some mustard in it for when the cramps wake me up. Try to hold the muster under your tong. The longest possible. The cramps will banish in seconds. In about 3 years that I have been using this only once, which took a bit longer but still worked ❤❤❤❤

[@rezamohamadakhavan_abdolla8627]

I wonder what mustard contains that help to relieve the pain so quickly?

[@Indu-uw3nz2rt9i]

Try Dark chocolate ( sugar free) . It really works!!!

[@dc.9035]

My mom said she got out of bed to walk when she had cramps. I tried it. It works.

[@jacquelineortiz128]

YES YES YES 👍

[@roseappelhoff9282]

It does work... what remains is trying to get back to sleep afterwards ...(that is my experience)😑

[@wildrosecece]

@@dc.9035 if she takes the electrolytes, salt, magnesium and potassium, she will sleep through the night. Your neurons need this for your body to function well. You can make your own with just water, salt and lemon.

[@glasslinger]

At least you were able to get up! All I can do is lay there and scream!

[@wildrosecece]

@@glasslinger take magnesium you will not suffer

[@MickisMom]

I appreciate this video. I figured out for myself that a massager helps relieve a cramp. In nursing school we were taught to never massage a calf which could lead to dislodging a clot and result in a PE. Has there been a change in this thinking? Massage seems to be the only thing to help, which can be severe at times.

[@aejiongco]

Magnesium glycinate is highly absorbable, making it effective in preventing muscle cramps by supporting proper muscle function and relaxation. You may be following all the exercises your physical therapist recommends, but targeting the root cause, like magnesium deficiency, is key to fully addressing cramps.

[@susangrande8142]

@@MichaelTheophilus906there are a lot of magnesium formulas besides glycinate; one of them might work better for you: Mg oxide, Mg chloride, etc. 👍

[@katerinaglushak4563]

@@MichaelTheophilus906 did you try citrate? what dosis?

[@kerryhopkins3047]

Magnesium glycinate stops my cramping and electrolytes as I can sweat a lot. Tonic water can also help

[@curiouscat3384]

I take magnesium glycinate AND electrolytes before bedtime as a prevention. Works perfectly and I sleep like a baby no more cramps

[@joanblack6672]

For me, foot cramps are from low magnesium, cramps in the lower leg are from low potassium or low sodium. I take all three before I go to bed each night and so, no cramps.😅

[@urmilajithoo6511]

A doctor friend suggested a swig of tonic water...... Always works

[@howardgresham1975]

Must be traditional Tonic with Quinine. Cheap brands have artificial flavour instead. But be careful as regular use reduces efficacy as the body becomes used to the quinine, so save for 'emergencies'.

[@tajammulhoda6752]

Looks good. My wife gets cramps at night. I have advised her to do those exercises. Thanks 🙏

[@10creator24]

I have cream and/or oil of magnesium in my bathroom cabinet. I found many years ago that when I was awakened by that awful pain that would go on and on….. I would rub the cream and/or oil onto that foot and leg and in apx ten minutes, it would be ALL GONE! What a wonderful Go-To for quick relief.

[@LanaLorenzen-i4f]

Exercises are tremendously important. I broke my hip and femur when I tripped over some cement curbing at my home (age 71). Two years later the quads on that leg (the right) are still undeveloped. However, I managed the leg cramps at night with magnesium, calcium, and potassium. If I take those three pills every day with a meal, no more cramping.

[@wildrosecece]

Table salt, magnesium and potassium. It’s simple!

[@Jaquableu]

Yes indeed. The electrolytes are the key. Drinking and too much carbs and sugar make cramps worse. I use 1000 mg of Mag glycinate, 1500 mg of potassium and salt my food to taste. And good salt. Not junky table salt with sugar in it. I like pink salt.

[@maggieb5326]

V8 juice is really helpful. I use the low sodium one but the original works too. My husband and I both suffer from these in calf and thigh. Thigh is much more painful. The V8 juice relieves it quickly. As soon as it begins to get into the blood things improve. Now, as soon as we have some twitches we drink a small can of V8 and it doesn’t progress. We always keep some in the house. Hope others find this helpful.

[@katerinaglushak4563]

what is a V8 juice?

[@jovitmonteiro8375]

H​@@katerinaglushak4563

[@navnitachaudhuri8963]

Please keep sending some more simple excercise s for the elderly ladies who go through with things like this. Bless you thank you I have been doing the 2nd excercise for some time

[@PardieDiem]

I drink either pickle juice, electrolytes, or eat sauerkraut. Works every time.

[@Nurjehan9085]

I have found electrolytes work wonderfully, also black salt, available from India/Pakistani stores

[@jacquidaley3636]

I use 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water. I keep some in ajar by my bed. It only takes 1-2 swallows. I expect it works on the same principle as the pickle juice.

[@PardieDiem]

@@jacquidaley3636 Nice!

[@berylmendes5560]

Tbsp Mustard helps too

[@rezamohamadakhavan_abdolla8627]

Thank you very much. To mention that also keeping the feet warm is a big help for muscle cramps prevention. I sleep with loose cotton pants tucked in my socks. For 20 years I lived in North Carolina and never has cramps untill I moved to Michigan and frequently experienced cramp and equally in Dominican Republic living in tropical part(sea level) without cramps until moved to the mountains (4500 feet above sea level).

[@lindalinford8115]

Thank you - very doable and much needed.

[@peternatoli2555]

Hello Margaret. I use an oversized top sheet for the bed size. After positioning the sheet for the entry side of the bed, I then, PULL SHEET FROM THE OTHER SIDE, AT THE BASE OF THE BED , about 12 inches . I then do the same on the non entry side, at the base only, and then tuck in on the non entry side and bottom end of the bed and then on the entry side just a little. Thank you for your presentation this morning. Last night was one of my worst nights for cramps.

[@glasslinger]

Dr. Berg's electrolyte mix. Amazon. Two scoops a day.

[@florences2153]

I appreciate your explanations to cure night leg cramps. Thanks

[@devannayar6456]

Thank you. I told my doctors many times about this random sudden cramps at night on my calf muscles. They dismissed it as random due to twisting my legs or not lying properly even though that's not true. Its sudden and random. I'll try these exercises.

[@MJ-hl1kk]

I have been doing those massages and stretches instinctively - so nice to be confirmed in their validity! I have also started taking magnesium supplements and increase my intake of green veggies.

[@BarbaraGrau-k2l]

What does it mean when the stretching exercise you show causes severe cramping?

[@GeorgiannaMartin]

Quinine tabs under the tongue, or drinking Tonic water solves mine. Hyland's Leg Cramps- Walmart sells this-$12.99 /100 tabs❤

[@sylviawinterburn4455]

We can't get quinine in New Zealand now. Ex Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern banned it from the country.

[@charlottecallahan2633]

Great information…thank you!

[@gayabele4]

I wanted to mention the connection between statin drugs (high cholesterol medication) and leg cramps. It's one of the more common side effects. My husband suffered from nighttime leg cramps for years. His doctor took him off lovastatin for a month and the cramps stopped. He was restarted on a different statin at a lower dose and cramps did not return.

[@gayabele4]

@@MichaelTheophilus906 That's unfortunate. I hope you can find an answer.

[@shariefadavids129]

Try eating bananas,or check your magnesium no statins

[@jacquelinewalters6811]

When I get a cramp I put my bare foot on any frozen vege box. It doesn't feel great at 1st but compared to severe pain of the cramp its o.k. The cramp stops in a minute. This works cramps in my feet,calf & thighs.

[@kristinewalkley9314]

Thank you for this! Hoping it works for me.

[@kensimpson5662]

been there done that only to stop leg cramps is hot shower just used the shower Nosel and rub it in the cramps of pain gone so then enjoy a good night sleep

[@francisvanderhoven9088]

I Use Magnesium slow releasing and it works

[@marioconti9235]

Thank you Thank you Thank you No night leg cramps

[@amrita4468]

I get cramps from my toes to hips. Can you please suggest recommended topical magnesium. I’m so grateful for your videos.

[@elisemiller13]

magnesium oil rub on skin and rinse also can soak feet add to water

[@MNZGA57]

Thankyou. I find not eating chocolate stops the leg cramps. Also using Barocca every now and then helps.

[@vivianhudacek1556]

Thanks! To help with that top bedsheet issue, every night for ages I’ve put a yoga block under the covers at the foot of the bed. Works like a charm! Also, I use Theraworks foam when I am awakened by severe cramps. Works great & immediately gives relief.

[@hb4196]

You can just not tuck the top sheet in; keep it loose on the bed. I have never tucked my top sheet in, long before I had cramps; this feels restrictive. When I stay at a hotel the first thing I do is pull the top sheet free.

[@marilynnjefferson8525]

I use it, too. It’s great!

[@vivianhudacek1556]

@@hb4196 it’s not just the top sheet but also the weight of a bedspread or comforter. The yoga block solves that for me.

[@yusefendure]

Expert advice from another great physical therapist. Thank you!!

[@aussiegirl-jx7nj]

Thank you for this Margaret ♥ I am on a medication that causes these horrible things, and they wake me up, sometimes several times a night. I drink water, take electrolytes, but nothing's worked so far.

[@wildrosecece]

Take magnesium!!

[@beka149slr]

O😅😅😅

[@elsie6326]

Take a spoonful of yellow mustard. It’s a big help I’ve used for several years.

[@LaiKweeSeong]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful tip for leg cramps

[@IrvinePrice]

Thakk you very much it work .simple and easy to do..keep up the fine work.

[@Peace2you]

My leg cramps usually start in my feet and may or may not move to my calves. I wouldn’t be able to stretch my feet if they are cramping because it would make it worse. My doctor recommended magnesium glycinate supplements which helps some of the time. My sister recommended massaging the cramps with wintergreen alcohol or regular rubbing alcohol. It takes a few minutes but eventually eases the cramps. I will try to stretch at bedtime before it starts. Thanks!

[@samhicks7568]

The thing I have found that appears to help with leg cramps is Chewable Magnesium tablets. I take one right before going to bed, and one if I wake up with a cramp..

[@jacquelinetaylor3595]

These chews work every time and immediately for me! Grape flavored.

[@DanieKoch]

I am 60 and everyday you learn something. Younger people listen to older people ,it works always learn something everyday🙏

[@WillietMabeza]

Thank you for the exercises for muscle cramps.

[@peter7624]

I've learned to do these things after years of excruciating early morning calf cramps, and they're pretty rare these days. I sit on the edge of the bed and massage a few drops of castor oil into my calf muscles, and my calves have lost that tight, tense feeling, becoming softer and pain free. The heel stretch is the get me out move when I get a cramp, but I also do them regularly, day and night. As well as staying hydrated these things have greatly reduced, but not totally eliminated my night-time calf cramps. If I do get one I immediately stretch my heel out and the cramp goes. The after pain is greatly reduced also.

[@marydd4147]

I have DVTs in the calf and am on blood thinner so I'll probably do the stretches only. I'm going to try the topical Mg. Thank you!!!!

[@abview]

Thank you. Since I didn't know about the exercises previously, I used compression knee high socks at night. That helped me somewhat. I will certainly try these exercises going forward.

[@sengkhamsarsengkhamsar8374]

Yes' it really work. Thank you so much.

[@Sando-q3b]

Best is ' Pink salt' from Kewara salt range in Pakistan. It is only country that produces this salt. It is sold internationally as ' Himalayan salt', although no where near the Himalayas. Always look for ' Product of Pakistan' note in any pink salt bottle.

[@shahidapakistani2217]

Thank you for really logical advice!

[@kathleenreese5010]

Putting a bar of soap under my bottom sheet near my feet has prevented night cramps for me and a lot of people I have shared this with. Also I discovered that wine was dehydrating me and causing them even when up and around. Since I stopped drinking it I haven't had any cramps. I used to use a hot washcloth on the cramp and it would relax. Tonic water also helped.

[@elsabezeeman6619]

Magnesium didn't help me. A quarter of an avocado and a portion of either spinach, kale or broccoli daily almost totally stopped my night cramps. I'll definitely do the massage and stretching from now on!

[@nutritionist2947]

70 % of US population is low on Mg, and only the soluble form form of Mg will definitely cure their leg cramps. Mg oxide in gel form is recommended because if it is not soluble, it is not absorbed by our bodies. And it is available in Costco. Take 400 Mg of capsule daily and your body will thank you.

[@medialcanthus9681]

I wear calf n ankle warmers. Also apply Ammeltz yoko yoko. Or hot water bottle or have a small microwaveable heat pack 20 sec in microwave put on the cramped tegion.

[@LaHermitess]

Ironically, it is stretching motions similar to your Tip #2 that frequently triggers severe calf cramps in bed, although the stretching was not part of any deliberate regime, but rather just the natural stretching one does on occasion. Do you think it likely that persisting with your stretching exercises, despite initially painful cramping, it will eventually begin to prevent such cramps?

[@granitabirg7950]

Thanks for sharing your tips! ❤❤

[@linaalberto866]

Thanks Margaret for sharing❤

[@champachabildas9241]

Thank you Dr. I will try and let you know. ❤

[@zubeedaali1218]

Thanks. Can you recommend any exercises for a fractured knee cap while wearing a splint and eventually when it comes off?

[@hb4196]

You can see an outpatient physical therapist. Do a bit of research you can find one in your area.

[@annemac8175]

Transdermal magnesium is the fastest intervention for my cramps, I even place on the soles of my feet before bed so they don't even get a look-in.

[@nancydaly3683]

Taking a little regular yellow mustard orally works too.

[@bakhtswati]

V nice information video thanks.

[@tamarasablon3248]

Super and easy thank you so much ❤

[@margaretmartinpt]

You are welcome 😊

[@HannaBrown-z3r]

I have been prescribed Quinine tablets in the past but they come with a dosage warning so I avoid them. I find that sleeping with my legs stretched out solves the problem. It takes a bit of getting used to. Strangely, when sleeping during the day for maximum 1 hour with my legs drawn up, I never experience cramp. Age 78.UK

[@suesmythe4115]

you need magnesium, potassium and sodium then no more cramps

[@phido9235]

Thanks for sharing 👍 ❤🎉

[@fvrrljr]

*i was going to call you out... but you mentioned Magnesium Oil and i Shut My Mouth! straching doesn't work for me. if i cramp is about to happen and i can stretch it out During Awful Pain and hold it till it subsides it will sometimes work, and immediately i put magnesium oil. i can be sitting and wiggle my toe and BAM Cramp*

[@sngelcat]

Regular hot dog mustard. The cheap yellow stuff, not grey poupon. I keep a bottle in front of the refrigerator so when I do get the leg cramps I just take a couple of swigs (yes it's as nasty as it sounds) of this yellow mustard right from the bottle at this point, and the cramps go away within minutes. I've been doing this for years and it's the only thing that works. Every time. I've heard it said that that it is because of the tumeric but there is only a smidgen of tumeric. So idk but maybe it'll help somebody else.

[@berylmendes5560]

Mustard helped me

[@sngelcat]

@@berylmendes5560 LOL Heinze to the rescue. There are a lot of good suggestions here some of which I tried (esp Vinegar) and they worked for a while and stopped working. Give it a try. Just squeeze any yellow mustard on a tablespoon and take 3 TBSPs wait one minute and you're good to go. You never know what's going to work. Good luck!

[@berylmendes5560]

@@sngelcat for sure

[@dilshaddegum4938]

Use full and easy tips ❤

[@Antique803]

The quickest way for me to stop leg cramps is to get up and walk.

[@virginiafleishans2523]

In the past ten years or so, I think I’ve tried every single remedy listed in these comments, along with stretching. Every one worked for a while but then the cramps came back. I get cramps almost every night in my toes, calves, and thighs. Really unbearable. After running through the list of remedies, I start over and yes, the work for a while again but really, I don’t think anything will take them away.

[@Mocowbell1970]

Have you tried Hylands leg cramp tablets? I take one every night at bedtime, no cramps.

[@hlw1306]

Some of my personal questions include-- ingesting enough animal source proteins, physically active vs atrophy of underused muscles, weight bearing exercise, the last time dancing? Aortic artery and neck arteries screened is informative. Pinched nerves?

[@virginiafleishans2523]

@@Mocowbell1970 Yes -- I keep them next to my bed and take two when the cramps are especially painful or long lasting. I just recently discovered them and they are great but I don't like to take any meds every day so I only take it when it's unbearable. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@virginiafleishans2523]

@@hlw1306 I exercise a lot -- cardio and strength training throughout the week and stretch every night before bed. Proteins, good. I see a cardiologist quarterly so all good there. See a chiropractor once a week. Still the cramps continues. It seems to be a mystery to everyone.

[@AlexHop1]

Thank you!

[@colombard140]

❤❤❤ Cramps or tetany occurs when the serum Calciun (Ca+), Magnesium (Mg+), Potassium, Hydrogen (H+) ions are low. High K+ or high H+ (i.e. acidosis) will reduce the tendency for tetany. Conversely in alkalosis I.e. in high HCO3- or low H+ or low K+ ions in the blood, the tendency for tetany will increase. Therefore to reduce the chance of cramps, you need to ensure that you take enough calcium, magnesium, potassium or an acidic substance like Vitamin C or citric acid in sour citrus fruits.

[@Wilett614]

Pickle Juice works almost immediately : )

[@farheenqasmi3585]

Thanks a lot maam.❤❤❤

[@silloosidhva5060]

What about cramps in ankle and toes? Any remedy? Thank u.

[@sudhir911]

Walking slowly while in cramps relieves cramps. During walking muscles opposite to cramping become active and cramping muscle relaxes.

[@truthboomertruthbomber5125]

IMO cramps are an indicator of electrolyte deficiency or imbalance. Everyone with cramping should study electrolyte recommended daily intake so you will know what the numbers are and then look at your diet to see if you are getting enough potassium, magnesium, sodium and calcium. You also need to make sure you have the ratios right.

[@susannahwilliams-w1z]

I found rubbing and massaging castor oil into my lower legs has stopped my painful night time cramps.

[@Life.inthe.Matrix]

i use that and vicks

[@teresamcalister7096]

Magnesium spray works immediately. Dont even have to massage it. Just use hand to spread it on calf muscle

[@Myrmecia]

Another cause of cramps is over-eating seasonal high-sugar fruits - like flavorsome, fresh apricots or apples - especially after the middle of the day. The same can apply to eating large amounts of potato, sweet potato or cassava in the evening.

[@monicali2608]

Right, carbs use up your magnesium.

[@theresacondron2282]

Mine are not leg cramps, but jumping restless legs will drive you mad disturbed sleep

[@BH-gr2ds]

You could try cutting out all caffeine and liquor. It works for my husband.

[@aliciatorres91]

Thank you so much ❤

[@antonellamicheli1082]

CAN YOU PLS SHOW US EXERCISES FOR TOE CRAMPS, THANKU

[@Myrmecia]

Do you mean cramps in your toes (and only in your toes) or along the base of your foot?

[@asadhaque846]

Thank you.

[@rihanasalahudeen8267]

Thank you so much for sharing the exercises it’s so useful every night I suffer with leg cramps

[@jenniferjoseph5914]

I take magnesium tables.I don’t get it.This magnesium tablet is magic.❤

[@tpraba15]

The best way to get immediate relief during the cramps is soaking the affected legs in warm water may be in a bucket. I am also suffering from it. The pain is unbearable. Happens only during cold atmosphere like when using aircon.

[@umakavita2843]

Drink powder electrolytes mixed in water before bed time. Gatorade does the same job.

[@PardieDiem]

I'm in so much pain with cramps that there is no way I could exercise or stretch!

[@Myrmecia]

Margaret's massage and stretching are not for when you have the cramps. They are exercises to do at a convenient time during the day. Their effect carry you through for a night or two. However, you may not feel improvements immediately. Everyone's experience will vary. My own experience is that the massage is effective within a few days; however I used a more vigorous massage (painful!) with a foam roller - which may not be feasible for someone with weak shoulders or who is overweight.

[@PardieDiem]

@@Myrmecia Cramps, in my opinion, comes not just from stiffness, but also dehydration.

[@Myrmecia]

@@PardieDiem Dehydration is likely one cause, but hydration to deal most effectively with cramps needs to be undertaken from early in the afternoon, using lightly-electrolyted water. No need to drink a lot extra. Just increase your intake during afternoon and evening by 2-3 teacups above normal using electrolytes with sodium, magnesium and potassium. That's not Gatorade etc. "Elete Water" is a good brand.

[@grahamgillard3722]

My problem is foot and toe cramps. Also occasional hand and finger craps. I’m 72. Vigorous exercise during the day seems to bring cramps on at night, but they can occur without earlier exercise also. Magnesium supplements cause intestinal problems. Any suggestions?

[@mvsafeer2834]

When you get a cramp press hard on the area between your upper lip and nose. It works!

[@jacquelineortiz128]

Mg with Zinc & Fish Oil with K-2 MK-7 ...

[@fatimaumar6762]

Thanks for sharing, bless you!

[@johnnotgiven9219]

But gee, I get just as many cramps in my upper leg, either front or back. I can't name the muscles typically involved, but it is very painful. By the way, are you going to name a brand of magnesium creme. I have never seen such a product. I do bathe with Epsom salts fairly often.

[@JJ73100]

thanks sometimes the leg or thy lock with lots of pain ,,,, I just keep slapping the place until Mucel relaxes and water is an answer drink water I keep it next to my bed

[@gopimk3122]

thank u

[@alionasviridova5315]

Red light therapy low level laser only helps me.

[@user-oo8ei4lj6s]

I make sure to take magnesium supplements.

[@maggieb5326]

V8 juice is really helpful. I use the low sodium one but the original works too. My husband and I both suffer from these in calf and thigh. Thigh is much more painful. The V8 juice relieves it quickly. As soon as it begins to get into the blood things improve. Now, as soon as we have some twitches we drink a small can of V8 and it doesn’t progress. We always keep some in the house. Hope others find this helpful. Anyone with kidney problems or high blood pressure should be cautious with anything that is high in salt/sodium. That would include baking soda.

[@ejazr.chaudhri2949]

During cramps the pain is severe and I cannot do exercise, I get out of bed and walk to get Relief.