Understanding Cramps, Stopping and Preventing them, Updated science

[@cboy5oc]

The most painful muscle cramp I ever had was after working for hours outside on a hot day. It was in a groin muscle and I tried to stretch the opposite way, but it did not work. After that, whenever doing that kind of work I always hydrate extra well using a product by the company that makes "Emergen-C", except it is a packet that mixes with 1 liter of water and has no sugar. It is called "Electro-Mix". I have not gotten one of those since.

[@tonyraul5140]

going to give "Electro-Mix a try thanks

[@michelekobayashi890]

thank you! Your information really helps! Michele in Yokohama, Japan

[@arleenm7367]

Pickle juice and vinegar chips. It's the acetic acid (vinegar) that will stop cramps during exercise. They are very popular at ultramarathons and triathlons.

[@cockeyedoptimista]

I think not the chips, though! Maybe vinegar cucumbers!

[@GeorgeRow]

I am a runner and suffer from cramp, in the later parts of Marathon races and in bed at night on days when I have done a hard running workout session. Over the years (l am old) I have tried all the things you mentioned. None of them helped. The effective solution that works for me is to rehydrate with lots of water with electrolyte tablets dissolved in it, including an extra magnesium tablet in the drink and also using transdermal magnesium oil (or ointment). I massage the place where the cramp is occurring (usually calf muscle) with the magnesium product and it is absorbed directly through the skin into the cramping muscle. (Hence “transdermal”.) Using transdermal magnesium oil brought me a lifetime person record in my most recent Marathon. It may be specific to my body-chemistry but if all the usual strategies have not worked for you I would suggest trying adding magnesium in one form or another.

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

Congratulations on your personal record! What you stated about magnesium reminds me of the old days when people would take Epsom salt baths, especially after working hard all day... the magnesium in it gets absorbed through the skin. You don't hear about people doing that too much anymore, but they do still sell it.

[@GT-kx6hm]

Hi George, thanks for the comment. Do u use the transdermal before the marathon, or once the cramp kicks in? Do u recommend a particular brand?

[@marthamendoza963]

I was getting cramps every night on my toes, shins and calves. So painful I would cry. Few things I've learned, cramps in calves, bite down on bottom lip. Only works on calves, bit does work, especially when you catch it early. Also, I started drinking pickle juice to prevent and mustard during. I actually keep packets on my night stand. Also, started drinking apple cider vinegar every morning and my cramps have just about disappeared.

[@KariEatsPlants]

I have been getting a cramp in my abdomen under my right rib while doing deep hip opening stretches. Crazy painful.

[@smokey0111]

Recently I had a somewhat regular cramp problem on my calf, triggered by lying down in bed in awkward ways. Despite being sufficiently hydrated, doing regular calf stretches, and having my fill with bananas (to deal with potassium deficiency) and a magnesium supplement, the cramps would not stop. Turns out the problem was a pair of pants I was wearing to work - I'd be sitting at my desk for most of the day, and the lower section of the pants would keep the calves squeezed. Apparently the legs aren't supposed to stay at that "compressed" state for (pretty much) hours at a time. Hope this helps someone.

[@MrsMarks]

I have wondered this very thing, with skinny jeans being so popular. Thank you.

[@honeyfitz3791]

Your problem could be low sodium. I was told to limit sodium to 1,500 mg per day to deal with high blood pressure but this caused more cramps. Then I read that the British Medical Association was now recommending 2,500 mg for high blood pressure patients. When I switched to that level, I had far fewer cramps. I also stopped drinking coffee.

[@suzannehartmann946]

I had the same problem with a pair of pants that had a waist band that was too tight. I snipped it at two places and just wear long tops over it. I also have stenosis in my spine right at that spot. FIXED it. With the right tops nobody sees.

[@Tangodawg55]

Bananas are pure sugar, the potassium in them is not bioavailable

[@candanaci9258]

@@Tangodawg55 that is bullshit

[@greendragontails]

I enjoyed your video that has a lot of good info. I'm 68 and teach several (2 or 3) Tai Chi classes six days a week. I'm very flexible and do a lot of stretching on the floor or in standing postures. The last few months I have gotten cramps in my hamstrings or in the quadriceps extensors and the rectus femoris, usually after about two hours after my night classes. I sit on the floor often is yogic postures as a means to counter balance the strength oriented postures of standing Tai Chi postures of leg extensions that are held for about ten seconds or so. The Chinese believe if you can get up off the floor, you are pretty healthy. I concur with this theory. You may think me eccentric but after 50 years of Gung Fu (Tai Chi and Chi Gung) I have acquired many healthy benefits. I wrote this comment to complement you on your advice as it works in many situations. I have one 80 yr old student who has a buffalo hump and is starting to benefit from your exercises. In this video, I wanted to suggest to you something I thought of while watching. When you wish to do the dorsal flex when your are inclined in bed, a hand towel being held in your hands can be hooked on the toes/ball of the foot to be pulled towards the knee. If the towel is too short because of your reach, a bath towel could be substituted. Another suggestion to replace your wooden tool (the incline device) is to stand facing the wall with the cramping calf forward, place the ball of the foot against the wall above the wooden trim, about 3 inches from the floor with the other foot behind but slightly diagonally outward from the front foot. Keeping the back somewhat straight, lean forward with the forward knee moving toward the wall, thus stretching the forward calf muscle. With the wall being 90° perpendicular to the floor, this creates the 25 to 45 degree angle needed for the replacing of the wooden angle device. Again thank you for all of your advice and look forward to more of your videos in the future . Peace and blessings.

[@medini2]

for some reason, when i ate yogurt or drank milk the cramps just get be more frequent and worse. bananas do absolutely nothing to stop cramping, or vinegar, mustard, water, electrolyte powder and trace minerals etc. i took all types of magnesium for years and they did not really help. no to muscle relaxers, too. what did eventually STOP the cramping and prevent them from reoccurring is standard process "calcifood" powder and a potassium supplement- best one for me is on back log for months now--solgar potassium amino complex. after years of cramps, the cramping stopped. the worst was the hamstrings--but i got them around my rib cage, too. and fingers and toes. there is skeletal muscle in the heart, too. the tachycardia and palpatations became less frequent when i took the potassium, but have not had any more since adding calcifood. it's great. i hope some people read this and understand it is possible to go thru hell for years with muscle cramping and no medical person will take it seriously. they consider it to be non-life threatening. i think muscle cramping can be connected with heart palpatations. i expected to die with severe cramping, heart pounding and someone in charge would stand there looking at me, shaking his head, thinking how crazy i look hollering and crying and crawling. thank god i don't have to die that way.

[@TheRuthyc]

I was in the hospital after a car accident and the nurses got mad at me for crying and begging for help because I got horrible inner thigh cramps that were the worst pain ever. I couldn't believe how badly I was treated.

[@QuiltedLily]

Will check if solgar is available at Amazon.ca

[@kathys5176]

@@TheRuthyc Ruth A, it could possibly be your obturator nerve, Google this. I get horrible cramps there, it hurts so bad, its been 11 yrs now. I do massage, massage is different to, its horizontal not vertical! I take magnesium and B vitamins. Its debilitating for me, I need to get up and walk it out. I feel so bad for anyone who suffers from these, they hurt so bad, I breakout in a sweat! Please take care Ruth A.

[@annewatman677]

I’ve had cramps in the back of my upper thigh, and it was excruciating! It’s the one thing that really scares me. Not only the pain but it made me sweat and feel nauseous. I’ve been using Theraworx for awhile now, and it’s been very helpful until last night. I couldn’t seem to stop cramping in my calf and ankle. I’m 69, and I wish there was a cure for this. It really screws up my sleep some nights.

[@cockeyedoptimista]

Bananas never seem to do much for me either.

[@mrblueskynm3968]

Your stretching is spot on! I’ve had more cramps than ever now that I’ve reached my 50’s. I suppose it’s because I have muscle loss. Anyway, a few years ago my wife told me to chew up about 4 Tums tablets when having severe cramps because she remembered when she was pregnant it was advised to do this to avoid and ease cramps. Supposedly, pregnant women lose calcium and magnesium during child development while pregnant. Well, it works very quickly to alive severe cramps. Just this weekend I over did the hiking during a camping trip and had severe cramping in both hamstrings. It was really bad! Luckily we keep a large bottle of the tasty smooth Tums tablets in our camp trailer. Just chew up 4 Tums and wash it down with a glass of water and it will help the cramps go away within 10 minutes. I promise this is is worth trying.

[@craigstephenmcdonald9915]

What are Tums tablets?

[@saifyoussef530]

@@craigstephenmcdonald9915 their tums tablets

[@mikkibubble4711]

The only thing that helps me when having leg cramps, no matter where in the leg, is walking around and making sure the legs are warm.

[@mikearchibald744]

me too, walk walk walk

[@patrickgibbons6410]

there is a perfect solution for calf muscle cramps, there is a pressure point on the spot between your upper lip and nose, right in the center, if you apply pressure on it with one of your knuckles, and hold for a minute or so, the cramp will usually go away, and best of all there will be no lingering soreness, it is amazing how it works.

[@lynnebattaglia-triggs1042]

Press on the philtrum?

[@tishabratcher2403]

you didnt say anything about Inner thigh cramps. THOSE ARE THE WORST! I get up and walk and it takes anywhere from 5 to 20 min. for those to go away. I notice when I get right up and I drink as much water as I can and Tonic. (yes like Gin and Tonic without the Gin) it goes away quicker. I worked at our country club and A doctor told me to drink alittle tonic when I have leg cramps because it has quinine in it and it works.!

[@DeeAnnaMFritz]

I agree. I will get them in both thighs at the same time.

[@joeblow5087]

@@DeeAnnaMFritz, Me too. I drink tonic before bedtime every night. When I get them at night, I get up and drink more tonic while walking. I keep a walker by my bed in case I have trouble standing with the cramps. They last 20 to 40 minutes. Miserable. I have small cans of tonic all around the house.

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

Yes, I agree... WORST PAIN EVER! I drink as much water as fast as I can. I would WAY rather have a calf cramp!!

[@ronblackburn3683]

My inner thigh cramps were mostly related to hip joints. Three years ago I had a hip replacement which fixed most of the hip flexor muscle cramping. I walk a lot for work (forester) so I do watch my water intake and use Powerade and Gatorade to ensure electrolyte balance. Good luck because these cramps are serious!

[@daviddassow8508]

Thanks for the tonic idea. I also get cramps on both sides of ribs, simultaneously , usually in the late afternoon or evening and it is debilitating. I am active, but over time I think it is from fatigue. Appreciated video, I drink a lot of water through out the day, will look into ways to increase salt and electro lights. David / 70 years old/ Michigan

[@humaneleaguelancPA]

Brad and Chris! Thanks so much for the info on cramping! I am a Massage Therapist and I often refer my clients to your video's! I also get questioned about cramping and prevention. I knew about hydrating but was glad to hear about the Gatorade Bolt and how it can help, Pedalite and especially eating honeydew! Also thanks for the review on the stretches! You guys are great! (Bob too!)

[@livingitup9647]

Thanks, guys! Very important info with a good range of recommendations for those of us who suffer from this chronically.

[@darladennison3042]

Ok I get cramps that run along my shinbone when I'm sleeping. They feel like shin splints and make my toes splay out and go in different directions. They are crazy painful!

[@annwilliams6438]

Try a dose of mineral salts with water.

[@Debtwarrior]

I think this means you are leaning too far foward when walking or standing. The muscles at night are wanting go move to a slightly shorter pulling forward position because thats where they stay all day..

[@lindahurd9717]

Check out psoriatic arthritis--images for starters

[@sandrapolicare9289]

Drink dill pickle juice to get rid of the cramps

[@lymetickchick]

Oh, yes!

[@ginettemelody1035]

Th you. It is go od to rub legs with magnesium oil to minimise pain and cramping. Blessings

[@pamelahickmann5781]

I had a problem with calf and foot cramps for at least a month earlier in the summer. I finally ended up in the hospital with dangerously low sodium levels. I'm 68 and was on a water pill for high blood pressure. This is dangerous for older women so they took replaced it with a regular blood pressure medication. Once my sodium levels came back up I realized I had no more cramping!

[@annwilliams6438]

There IS a difference between table/sea/mountain salt (a sodium salt) - which if you are eating anything out of a box or fast food joint, you are having more than enough of - and ‘mineral salts’. You are looking at minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, boron and phosphates (this last one is often forgotten about). While we only need tiny, tiny amounts of these we tend to push them out of the way with the usual salt. So a balance in everything. ;)

[@aqhasassy]

Perfect timing! Last mo I was diagnosed w Myasthenia Gravis & now having leg cramps every evening. Last night up till 2 am, cramps in thigh, couldn’t get the pickle jar open to try that. I did drink some ACV/honey/water & I think it helped. I have electrolytes daily, I sweat an awful lot-more than anyone I know, even when in AC. I’m trying to drink a lot of water. I stopped Magnesium Calm, 2 Xs wk, bc my Mag level was high. I’ve added potassium. Love your channel! You practice wellness & pass info along to us. Thank you!

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

It sounds like you need salt (sodium), especially if you're sweating alot. The only reason pickle juice works it because of the salt in it, but you can get salt in other forms. =)

[@aqhasassy]

@@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane thank you! I tend to avoid it bc it’s “bad” and it could be I don’t get enough!

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

@@aqhasassy Yes, could be. I sure hope you get some relief soon... those leg cramps are the worst!

[@suewright1299]

A brilliant video with a great amount of information Brad & Chis, thank you. We were on holiday last week doing a fair amount of walking on the coastline here in the UK, my husband had awful cramp in his left leg on Tuesday and again in the right leg the following night. I was positive lack of fluids could be a factor, at least now we actually know so and he can take plenty in future, also the stretching before bed. Very many thanks to you both

[@bebiramsarran2529]

Yes drink lots of water and also mix electro its a mix selling drug store

[@markspann]

thanks for the info. Been recently experiencing this problem. The info will be helpful

[@vickyflores3557]

So I get mine in the day. And they're painful oh my goodness they hurt. I've tried everything. Thank you for the video

[@royalty77724]

Thank you, I have Hashimotos and get cramps in ribs area as well sometimes. Until I twist and stretch it relieves it....

[@bethpat9]

Good info. Stretching before bed for instance. Dehydration issues...good point...hbp need to be careful about salt intake can be an issue. Good stuff guys!

[@sharonlocke9096]

I have a lot of cramping and can't take magnesium but when cramps start I slather on the Blue 🔵 Gel from dollar tree and pain goes away in minutes.

[@tevman69]

I have found that when forcing your ‘toes’ backwards, do not forget to concentrate on the ‘little toe’. That makes a huge difference. By bringing my entire body against the wall and using the ‘baseboard’ to force my toes backwards, especially the small toe, relief comes quickly. It maybe necessary to slightly rotate your body in order to get the little toe facing upwards. Practice this technique, BEFORE, the actual cramp comes upon you. Just a suggestion here, from my experience only.

[@cockeyedoptimista]

I don't understand what you mean about bringing your entire body against the wall. Do you mean facing the wall or was your back against the wall?

[@dee9487]

Thank you for this information. I have been suffering with calf, foot and toe cramps at night! So painful! I thankfully know the stretches to do and coincides with what you guys are saying. Also taking a magnesium supplement before bedtime and staying hydrated helps as well. Thanks again!

[@cockeyedoptimista]

Agree with all you said.

[@sandra4999san]

Enough water (more than you would ever want), enough salt, ( any physician that tells you to cut salt is not worth his/hers! ) long cool-down with stretching. And “40,000 volts” electrolytes. Good diet. But over-use will get you no matter what you do. I am not scared of cramps anymore, had so many I am used to it. Big spoon of dijon mustard if all else fails.

[@martyminer828]

I am trying the 40 volts NOW also.....Nighttime is my worst time....I have STOPPED CALCIUM..bc that contracts muscles and MAGNESIUM relaxes them...I'm telling you it's a balancing act, of WHAT WORKS.??? SO, MUSTARD huh? Alrighty then, why Dijon? Will YELLOW work?

[@sandra4999san]

@@martyminer828 Sure I just prefer Dijon. Pickle juice is good. And you are right, it IS a balancing act. I also take a packet each day of PowerPak minerals, lots of C and it surely can’t hurt. I have found that after my main exertion, I have to allow 3-4 hours before I stop moving around. In Texas I go out at dusk so I am up late, but its cooler to go late. But if I come home and go to bed/computer/chair sitting too soon after then the dreaded cramps will come. My favorite is the knee-to-groin inside thigh muscle. Lots of hilarious squirming and hopping with that one, especially both legs at once! So a really long cool-down is advisable I’d say. In any case I am up during the night to get rid of all that water!

[@martyminer828]

@@sandra4999san Yes! If I drink too late at night, I'll be up and down ALLLL night, with little sleep. Then, I'm thick headed come morning. One thing I've done recently is QUIT my a.m. Coffee...I was making it with a press,,,pretty strong, w/heavy cream, cinn/turmeric and hymalan salt.....but,,started back with the RLS,,,,,so, thought MAYBE my nerve endings did NOT need all that caffeine....my legs felt like little electrical flutters under the skin.....legs have been still and calmer, since I stopped. If I feel a bit nervy, I'll take about 200mg magnesium,,then the other half if needed.....SMH. So far, PRAYER has been my relief, and has helped me finally get a good nights sleep...Allll night! Let GO of ALLL my anxiety and relax, turn EVERYTHING over to God....Nothing I can DO about any of it anyway....So, I QUIT! HE'S up all night, so, I'll just let HIM take care of it!! WORKS FOR ME! 🙏👍🙏 I wonder,,,HOW much of this pain IS STRESS or Self INFLICTED? Because, I've done it all, (except the mustard)....SMH. there HAS to be a reason,,,something causing it.....Mental,,,,Spiritual? STRESS? WORRY? FEAR? Only GOD can help with all these issues......🙏 FAITH. PRAYER. TRUST. BELIEVE 🙏 Well, they say, "when you're at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on!" SWING'N LOL

[@ghazalakhan418]

Bab and Brad, you are a great a help. Love your informative videos.

[@TM-iq6sx]

Grabbing ,sometimes squeeze release, rub in a open hand up and down on leg. Strength as you can.and I do the stretching like you did. Some scream in between.

[@craigstephenmcdonald9915]

Ive had cramps all my life High level of fitness. 60 years old now. Hamstring cramps in the middle of the night. Keeping my legs warm seems to help. Small electric blanket works well.

[@martyminer828]

Yep! Been there and done that! Took it into every hotel when traveling too. Even ended up in the hospital once for 7 days, had my small electric Throw with me ,,,, was told it wasn't good for me,,,pfffft. Didn't CARE, bc it HELPED!! 👍 Let me tell ya, there's NOTHING you won't do to STOP from getting cramps!!! 🙏😀

[@craigstephenmcdonald9915]

@@martyminer828 waking up in the middle of the night with a ball of muscle in your hamstrings screaming with pain! Driving the car and suddenly getting cramp. Bike racing during a race and have to ride through the cramps or get dropped by the group is no fun. Yes its diet but sometimes its catch up

[@martyminer828]

@@craigstephenmcdonald9915 LOL....Paying your dues NOW, right? GREAT! SMH. I used to teach aerobics in the 80's...then I took Q-vel from the pharmacy for night screamers, and it worked...The Q was for Quinine plus potassium....THEN, I couldn't get it anymore,,,the pharmacist said, it was pulled off the shelf bc it was being used in cutting drugs..GREAT! NOW what was I supposed to do? Then my own Dr. would give me PURE Quinine capsules, which worked the BEST and fast. THEN, THAT was pulled! SMH. Really? All bc of the druggies..Ask yourself,,how many GALLONS of diet Quinine Water can one drink when having a CRAMP??? I KNOW, RIGHT? So, NOW?? I do low impact exercise,,,,Rebounder, the big ball, for core strength, weights and the Teeter (hang up side down, to keep my spine stretched and all things inverted for release of pressures)....71 now...😀 A GOOD nights sleep is a blessing! Thank you Jesus! AND LOTS OF SUPPLEMENTS.....👍

[@martyminer828]

Craig......Read the First Post on this Video...I just wrote about "where i am NOW".... AND it's WORKING for me....hope it helps you....

[@mikefranklin3528]

I tend to get cramps on the outside of my calf at night. Very hard to counter stretch for that.

[@angelblohm2171]

When I square dance a lot in an evening, (yes I square dance- it’s great exercise) I get a TERRIBLE one when I sleep if I didn’t hydrate before and during the dance.

[@belindasmith8790]

I make a point of drinking sugar free tonic water before and during dancing.

[@cockeyedoptimista]

So hydration really matters I guess. Thank you.

[@ernestoramosfelipe1320]

What a great video. Loaded with good info 👌🏻. Thank you.

[@imbadger6096]

If I get a cramp in my calf or toes when I'm in bed at night I stick my foot out from under the blankets and place my foot flat on the cold floor. The cold, not pressure, stops the cramp immediately. I'm 83 and I learned that trick from my grandmother when I was a little girl.

[@brunildamarrero2095]

OMG! This was so informative! Thank you

[@brendakirk7250]

Great video! Perfect for everyone. I don’t know one person that has never had muscle cramps.

[@florypridgen4773]

Thank you gentlemen for the good informations for cramps,God bless you.

[@lakebum6211]

Tonic water has been about the only thing that works for me. I understand it has a little quinine in it.

[@irmaworld65]

I get a lot of charley horses and cramping in my toes where they stick together I don't know what's causing it

[@iMustPandaLean]

Yeah they have pedialyte sport now. I saw it I was thinking about trying it

[@EllaHablaSpanglish]

I just swallow a teaspoon or so of plain yellow mustard, followed by water, of course and the cramps ALWAYS go away within 60 seconds or less. It’s the turmeric, I was told. This is a quick and simple remedy and it’s not as nasty as it sounds. Ha!

[@darianle190]

I’m cramping right now, I need a 10second video please!!!!

[@a.w.9662]

I get cramps in my toes when my feet are cold.

[@troycantrell1549]

Thankyou for the info.Been having cramps sinse my youth

[@davidjohnston9356]

Squeezing little yellow mustard in your mouth helps them go away quickly. I am a PT and my patients told me about it. My husband has tried it several times, and it helps.

[@Dennis.5150]

I started getting leg cramps after I started taking statins. The doc recommended Co q10. No more leg cramps.

[@ronmckay3322]

Any correlation between nerve damage and cramping? I had some C6-7 issues on my left side (a couple of years ago) and get cramping in my left lat and left arm.

[@artsiecrafty4164]

I discovered that moringa oil, rubbed on from hip to ankle relieves a cramp in a few minutes. I discovered this because I was applying it to dry skin on my hands and it relieved the pain in my wrists and thumb, Moringa is a tropical tree. The leaves are beneficial. I also take a lot of gelatin and glycine capsules which keep cramps from forming,

[@martyminer828]

How in the world did you discover, that gelatin and glycine WORKED? REALLY?

[@jhmstagg9104]

Right on time for me, thank you

[@billbirch3748]

I have cauda equina from a SCI. Cramps at calves and toes at night are part of life generally initiated by a stretch. Calf cramp is the worst. I have learned it is better to relax gritting my teeth than trying to stretch through the cramp regardless of method. Try to relax the best you can. Within 10 seconds or so the cramp will begin to subside. Do not move. Continue to relax over the next 30-60 seconds. The cramp generally mostly or completely subsides then I can work with it. Been through this countless times to know this method works best for me. Dehydrated at all, statins, sugar and salt are cramp inducers.

[@barayoza1199]

Wouldn't using Himalayan or Celtic salt which have all the natural minerals rather than processed white table salt ( which is only sodium chloride) be better for those with hypertension?

[@oldschooljeremy8124]

I get them in the arch of my foot at night - oddly never the left foot, only the right. I have to get out of bed and stand on it to make it stop. I have read that trying to tighten the affected muscle even more will relieve cramps, I have had very mixed results with that.

[@tharr67]

Ha I only get toe cramps in my left foot, guess I'm a 'mollydooker' ! :) Only relief i get is to take a magnesium supplement a few hours before sleep, especially as we head into winter

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

Yeah, but what do you do when you go to stretch the muscle that's cramping and the opposite muscle goes into a cramp?!? =O I get cramps in my anterior ankle, shin, and inner thighs... horrible pain. I take calcium, magnesium, and potassium every day, and don't restrict salt at all. The main reason I think I get them is dehydration... even my hands/fingers will cramp. If I drink enough water and stretch daily... that helps the most.

[@darylbarenholtz9378]

my cramp story just watched your latest cramp video and this one also. I am a 33 year vegan 75 years old...my cardiologist is a plant based doctor.. I have had nighttime cramps for years and also saw the amish remedy at my local ace hardware but did not buy it. I mention all this to my doctor and she says well lets first run some blood tests and see what my levels are.. Test comes back and I have less than zero vitamin b -12 in my system. She tells me that is NOT abnormal for a Vegan to have this low vitamin B-12. But it should be corrected. She would not make any claim that it might help my cramping, but she said lets get your levels up to par and see what happens. So I started a B-12 supplement routine 3 years ago and have not had one cramp since. Just a fact of life for me. Like you say I don't care how or why it works for me but it did.

[@dianabythebeach]

I just took a photo today of my left foot turning far inward from a cramp starting top of my thigh and moving downward to foot and my leg going numb. I do have spinal stenosis. The only way I can get my foot to go straight is to somehow push in on the bottom of my foot in the arch area right under ball of my foot that is beneath big toe (hope that makes sense). Very painful. Will happen immediately to right leg when I stretch....so I don't do that often. So over it! I stay well hydrated and take liquid magnesium. 😣

[@elizabethwilk9615]

Sounds awful. Hope that you are better

[@martyminer828]

If you are taking ANY Calcium supplement,,,,STOP,,,,Dr. Told me it onstricts and causes cramping where as magnesium is a relaxant....(lol..one dr. Put me ON calcium, then I started with the inner thigh cramps,,,,,he couldn't solve my problem, so he sent me too HIS dr...who said, "NO ONE NEEDS CALCIUM!" There is enough in the foods you eat....just say'n...🙏

[@jinpuhirsch5314]

helps to wear warm socks to bed....this works!....also the "CALM" supplement has worked well and salt and water......this all works well for me.

[@martincattell6820]

I've had cramp in most of my major leg muscles at once and it is awful. When two opposing muscles cramp there's no escape - you've just got to grit your teeth and bear it.

[@chrisgalkin7467]

I find that if I don’t drink too much water at once but instead drink about 8 oz. an hour the electrolytes don’t flush out. Caffein consumption also adds to peeing out electrolytes. Taking electrolytes daily will prevent cramping,especially magnesium/potassium.

[@traceysouth1047]

I especially appreciate the tip about the lower sugar Gatorade product. So I think you said Gatorade Bolt is less sugar and that powdered Gatorade at least uses real sugar instead of HFCS. I will be checking those out.

[@bballah9969]

Forget Gatorade use beet juice it's a natural nitrate it opens up your arteries and lowers blood pressure. It's also gives you a lot of energy which is perfect for sports that require endurance.

[@traceysouth1047]

@@bballah9969 I have heard of beet juice supplements and it sounds easier than drinking beet juice. Do you have any idea if the beet juice supplements also work , instead of drinking the juice ? And could you tell me how does beet juice taste ? thanks

[@bballah9969]

@@traceysouth1047 I have never tried the supplements however common sense would tell you it's best to drink it pure in it's natural form. With any supplement your not getting the purest form and also they add a lot of filler and other stuff that you don't need. The taste is not bad you get used to it. The one I buy is organic and has lemon added to it which makes the flavor better then if you were drinking it by itself

[@marareinson6546]

I get really bad cramps in my thighs. To the point where I can hardly walk because there so bad. Someone told me about taking a spoon full of yellow mustard. I've done this twice and in just a few seconds the cramp is gone. I don't know why but it works for a lot of people. To me it's a miracle.

[@honeyfitz3791]

(1) You did not discuss quad stretches - that's where I get the worst cramps. Otherwise, this was a GREAT video. (2) If you are on a low-sodium diet (as I am) due to high blood pressure, and you make the mistake of eating a large, high sodium meal (restaurants are notorious for putting a LOT of salt in their meals) you will get cramps. (3) What I found out was, when you get bad cramps, walking around quickly and immediately drinking LARGE quantities of water works well. It takes about 15 minutes for the water to get to the muscles that are dehydrated. When my quads camp up, I drink 2 liters of water and walk for 15 minutes. I think the reason a high sodium meal causes cramps is that the sodium, when it enters the bloodstream, draws water OUT of the muscles, so the solution to the problem was not more electrolytes, but drinking a LOT more water, as fast as possible. (4) If you get cramps frequently, stop drinking anything that has caffeine in it (coffee, tea, etc) as caffeine is a diuretic. If you are already on a prescription diuretic, the caffeine will cause you to lose even more sodium and cause cramps. One or two cups might be OK, but I was drinking 6-8 cups of coffee every day and I had to stop doing that. Also, some types of herbal tea, such as mint tea, are diuretics. I discovered that by chance, also. I won't drink sports drinks because of the sugar, but I am going to get some of the salt tablets as suggested in this video and keep them handy. Thanks for a great video. I took two pages of notes.

[@cyl742]

I have always had the toe cramps and find standing on them on the floor so they bend will fix it fairly quickly. The calf cramps are so bad, but I rarely have them thank goodness. I've had them knot up so badly, the calf was sore for a week. A doctor told me spread mustard on the calf. And I read to eat a tablespoon of mustard. I tried them both. Eating it actually did a better job. The man that wrote it said he gets them all the time and just keeps fast food mustard packets by the bed. He eats 2 of them. I don't know why or how it works. Maybe someone knows.

[@cathycaso4489]

Which magnesium there are more than 1?

[@brendamann6106]

Eat a couple of dill pickles. They work every time to prevent and stop the leg cramps that come after physically working during the day. I assume the salt and vinegar help replace electrolytes.

[@patcurles]

I wish you had included the adductor. Those are the most painful cramps I have ever had.

[@martincattell6820]

Sharp and thin. Feels like the tendon will just split under the tension and it's hard to move in the correct way to counteract it.

[@jhwilliams6550]

The outside of the knee and down to my foot. No amount of walking and stretching helps. Pickle juice and rubbing it with whatever oil I find in the dark. I find that standing on concrete for long periods is generally my trigger. I may try to stretch before bed and not just try to hydrate.

[@web9design1]

I use small left over soap. I Put A piece of soap in areas that flair up. I wear socks and put soap on the ankles when going to bed. Milk or cream seems to be my triger.

[@thecatatemyhomework]

Hyland's for leg cramps. Usually works within a minute or less. This is just my testimonial. And it's homoeopathic.

[@honeyfitz3791]

Thanks for the tip!

[@judymiller5154]

hyland's what? is there a product name?

[@boblehman1726]

@@judymiller5154 Hyland's Leg Cramps PM. Drug stores like CVS carry it. I read good testimonials about it [it contains the natural form of quinine]. I tried it despite a Canadian medical study that discouraged the use of quinine. We who have these leg cramp problems will try just about anything, won't we? But the directions are to take several pills EVERY DAY as a preventative. I didn't want to do that. With the many preventive suggestions given here, my pain specialist doctor recommended pickle juice (as several people here did as well), or apple cider vinegar, to quickly STOP a cramp already in progress - the common denominator is the acetic acid in vinegar, which some believe triggers a nerve response at the back of the mouth/throat area almost as soon as the acid hits it - swallowing is not necessarily even required. I have found this to be the best remedy for me to arrest a cramp already in progress (besides the preventive measures, primarily hydration and electrolytes including magnesium). Please see my separate comment on low blood pressure & over-medication for high blood pressure.

[@tinabraxton4906]

I get cramps in my calf muscles. I take long walks everyday for exercise and to do errands. I live in a country that is all hills. Some hills have stairs, including the one I live on, and there are more stairs going up to my flat. So I cannot return home without climbing. Sometimes, I will be several blocks from home when the cramp comes. I have been trying to walk longer distances, to improve my fitness. Is this a bad idea at my age? I am in my late 60s. I drink plenty of water.

[@stephaniehale751]

best channel on youtube

[@thesharonroseful]

I have found pickle juice to work a lot of times.

[@deqaabdi9740]

What kind of bickle? Pls

[@deqaabdi9740]

What kind of bickle pls

[@thesharonroseful]

Just sip pickle juice in the jar. Works really quickly for me.

[@joemaricich1733]

Dill pickle juice seems to work for me most of the time, then walking the cramp out.

[@barakbalestrery4138]

Yes pickle juice has been a cycling secret for years now. It is also used by spartan racers. They even have various brands of pickle juice based sports drinks.

[@michele9090]

Replenish Zero Electrolyte Hydration Beverage sold at 7 Eleven mini-marts. No artificial flavors, synthetic colors or high fructose corn syrup. Tastes great.

[@jerrywest7068]

Used to get cramps. Started wearing a night sock for achilles tendinitis. The cramps went away. The achilles problem is fixed now but I still wear the socks. No cramps now for nearly two years.

[@quartz3150]

I did not know dehydration can cause cramps. Thanks.

[@susylove7739]

To prevent of stop muscle cramps I use magnesium oil and spray it on my legs or hands. Easy and cheap to make, Works so well!!

[@rebg3789]

Please share recipe!🦵

[@cynthiacisneros1694]

I get them around my torso and arms as well…

[@KariEatsPlants]

I get them in my abdomen while doing yoga

[@Debtwarrior]

I fid that muscles that are overused incorrectly, eg when my hamstrings are overfiring to stabilise pelvis because of weakness elsewhere, when i finally relax, its like they are so used to holding on they kind of fire up when all the other muscles are loose. No other forces against mean straight to full tension. It feels like its almost a signal that the cramping muscle is basivally telling you its being used when otger muscles should be doing more work.

[@mariethomas2547]

Good job Brad and Chris! Ty!

[@bmk949]

My (special child )son is bed bound since 32 years whose hand feet and body become very stiff suddenly, during any time and his legs muscles feels like that it is horrible cramps in his legs and we can not able to bent his stretched legs into relaxed mode.He is also frightened even with small noise during sleep and also fits start which perspires him.Please Guide us as his mother and me are nursing him since his birth.He is very cute young man seems normal when he is in good and relaxed mood

[@elizabeth683]

You mentioned, Gatorade and I purchased Gatorade zero because I didn't want the sugar. But I found in the ingredients it contains sucralose which is a sweetener which I don't want. I ended up buying electrolytes by Biotech which does not contain sugar and only the good stuff like: magnesium, sodium and potassium. I hope this helps, I have been getting leg cramps since I have been fasting, so I know I need more water and electrolytes.

[@birdlovespaint]

I use a liquid product called No Muscle Cramps by Trace Minerals. Life long leg cramps . It is the only thing that ever helped . I make my own gatorade with natural salt and lemon juice. 🍋 also take a magnesium everyday. #nosugar

[@honeyfitz3791]

Great idea to make ones own Gatorade. Thanks!

[@cockeyedoptimista]

What is natural salt?

[@oliviahoward8615]

My cramps started with my toes when they get cold but now it's when I walk or stand on concrete. My Dr thinks it could be restless leg that caused my cramps but I don't know about that.

[@buck-a-roo1324]

Organic coconut water is a good choice also

[@lindasimpson6838]

A washcloth soaked in very hot tap water applied to foot /ankle cramps gives relief. Re-apply a second time if necessary.

[@sandrainthesky1011]

I find with the toe cramps that pressing hard on the outside just below knee cap for a while will release the cramp. Sometimes I must search for that point a bit. This works 95% of the time for me. Another place is the outside of the hip just below the point (bursa) sometimes works.

[@gilllawson2214]

I’m having cramps behind my ribs on both sides. Any suggestions

[@olebatjam5418]

thank you for helping with my hip with exercise. it has help a lot. i was wondering if you could do some neck therapy. from c1 thru c6 is what i am having problems. arthritis is part of the problem. could you please help?

[@56Spookdog]

I get night cramps in my shin, whole foot and hamstring at the same time, it leaves me without a good way/direction to stretch and it makes getting out of be almost impossible. Almost every time I have to swing my leg over anything my hamstring wants to cramp.

[@MizRuthie]

Mr. Brad...can you get cramps from pinched lumbar nerves?

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

A radiologist told me yes, you can.

[@claire_A-T]

I found 5000 IU vita D3 helped get rid of them. Helped me.

[@karenboyd6293]

This past Sunday, I had the worst cramps of my life. It was worse than having totally natural childbirth. I was screaming. My guads, hamstrings, and abductors were cramping, my calves, my feet, ankles and toes. My feet extended in the cramp but my toes came up. I couldn't stand even with help. If I got my toes down, my feet cramped up. I know I was somewhat dehydrated, under stress, had been in an auto accident the day before, etc. etc. etc. So I know what to do to prevent cramps, but here is what my husband and I did to stop them. Drank 3 pints of water, massaged muscles, applied heat, put on compression socks, adjusted positions with pillows so I wasn't holding up my legs my self. It probably lasted 1 to 1 1/2 hours but I thought it was days.

[@tanyamcdaniel1137]

Question my body retains water so I can't have salt what do you recommend. I take triamitrene every morning.

[@susanbeever5708]

I have severe cramps and it is caused by small fiber neuropathy, diagnosed after skin biopsies done by my neurologist.

[@birdlovespaint]

Look into Trace Minerals. Available at vitamin shop. Product called no muscle cramps, also available on Amazon.

[@calvindrosario8871]

cramps in relation to diabetes ? does having diabetes (type 2) have an affect on cramps?

[@muddyboots7753]

Bob and Brad and Chris 🎶 you need a theme update 😊

[@suzannehartmann946]

I use no salt for the potassium first because I get ALL of the other salts routinely in my diet and supplements. Just a tiny amount in my hand and just lick it. Works in minutes. I stay hydrated drink water all day.

[@Marnie1869]

Great information. Thank you

[@juanitasuro6158]

I would get leg cramps at night when I was pregnant and slammed the bottom of my heel with his palm and the cramp went away immediately. What about cramps in the hands and fingers?

[@carolynromero4462]

I get terribly painful cramping in the arch of my foot, once lasted for 20 min. I'm unable to kneel with my toes pointed backwards or i immediately cramp. Have you ever heard of this? Thanks!

[@brendakirk7250]

I get foot cramps and for sure the one thing that works every time (sucks when your in bed and you gotta get out of bed) is immediately stand up and put a little extra pressure on the foot that is cramping. stand for a little bit (could be a few seconds or a minute or two). After I do that I then walk around a bit and then sit down and massage the fascia for a few minutes.

[@kathleenreese5010]

You may need orthotics or arch support in your shoes. I had falling arches and had horrible cramps in my arch. Since wearing arch support they stopped immediately. Okabashi sandals have great support for wearing around the house. There are elastic arch supports you can wear while sleeping. I hope this helps you.