For more information on treating leg cramps check out the video "Top 7 Ways to Treat Leg Cramps, Muscles Cramps, Charley Horses, & Muscle Spams"- th-cam.com/video/RF3hNDWyM0Y/w-d-xo.html
Best way is to drink vinegar. Athletes have been doing it for decades. Works almost instantly. It is to do with acetylcholine which is a neurotransmitter. My friend adds it to his exercise water. I have it in a little pump bottle and just spray it under my tongue when needed. Marathon runners use small packets of mustard because they are easy to carry and have vinegar in them and it is thought that compounds in mustard also help.
I occasionally get cramps in my toes, calves, and more rarely my thighs. I learned about drinking a small amount of apple cider vinegar and that helped. Then I learned accidentally that I could get relief by removing the bottle cap, taking deep breaths, and just SMELLING the vinegar. The neurological response explanation was enlightening.
My wife is in her 60s and gets cramps frequently, we discovered yellow mustard works super fast for her, and now that you mention the neurological connection it makes sense to us, sourness and the Brain connection, another friend uses sour pickles, again SOUR is the key, thanks for this very valuable information, I drink apple cider vinegar regularly and hardly ever gave any cramps, SOUR!!!❤
@@janicedare8832 it was a miracle cure for my wife, I drink ACV regularly and don’t get cramps, maybe it helps, I don’t want big pharma to give me pills!
Thanks! I had a cramp in both thighs, both calves, both feet last night. I worked really hard yesterday and over exerted my muscles. I got out of bed and stood there unable to move. The most extreme pain I have ever had. Bent over the bed and was sweating so bad. Next thing I woke up on the floor with my knee scrape up. The pain had slowed down I I managed to get back in bed. I turned on the heating pad hoping that they were over. Also had a huge glass of water. Phew! Then I began watching every video and so many texts about it. I’m going to do everything you just said, including the apple cider vinegar the mustard and everything else that I’ve heard of that makes sense. Now I’m really afraid to go to sleep! Thanks for your helpful video! ❤❤❤❤❤❤ i’ll let you know if all of that works for me.
make me disappear? Like how you deleted that comment. It is never wise to take supplements if you aren't under Dr supervision as you can easily over do it since there is no regulation on them. I in no way am telling you what to do, just offering other valid information for those of us not under Dr supervision and who don't want to poison ourselves by over doing it. And BS, majority of supplements are synthetic you maroon
Oh my goodness I have separate from severe leg cramps for years. Even if this works just a little bit I will be eternally grateful to you. I just ordered it from Amazon right in the middle of your video. Again, thank you I don’t know what I did before I found your youtube videos.
I started getting these unbearable cramps about 10 years ago. Thankfully, they only occur once every year or two but when they do I think I'm going to die. The worst was when the cramp would start in one thigh, zip right around to the other side, totally immobilizing me. I always managed to get up, try to stand and stretch, but sometimes they were so bad that I'd breakout in a horrible sweat and vomit I found that if I keep a heating pad nearby, and felt the cramps starting I could immediately wrap the heating pad around the area and it would pretty much stop the pain in its tracks. I'm not kidding when I say I thought at times my heart was going to stop during these episodes
Yellow mustard - at 76 - the little packet gives me complete release after seconds ..... Thankful to the Walmart greeter who knew I was in sevre pain and frozen - she ran across the store to Subway and got me those lottle packets - works for me ...
Yes! I told my doctor about how effective the yellow mustard is and he laughed, but he also said that he's share the information with other patients who suffered from cramps. Somethings just work and there's no scientific explanation....yet.
years ago an article in readers digest suggested that pinching the lower lip tightly for a few seconds works..sure enough it does!! taught myself to 'bite' my lower lip in my sleep if a cramp happens, goes away in seconds, I don't even come fully wake anymore. no residual ache either. Wife was skeptical but works for her too.
I do this too! with a slight variation. I pinch my upper lip in the center as hard as I can. It works for me. The original explanation was that this is an acupressure point. I just know it works for whatever reason.
Perfect timing. Had 2 bouts last night-screamers! Magnesium, potassium and lots of water. Just the same I am ordering that stuff from Amazon. As anyone knows, you'd do everything possible to stop the pain. 🤯
I take magnesium, potassium, and drink lots of water for that reason. It helps but I still get cramps. Pickle juice was recommended and it stops cramps for me within a minute ever single time.
A million thanks guys! I've suffered for decades with some really really scary painful leg cramps, so I'm going for the apple cider vinegar. Up till now, I've used baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), which works, but all that sodium is probably not good for the blood pressure, so vinegar is a great alternative! Could the underlying cause be some kinda pH imbalance? acid/base kinda stuff? 🤔
I have read that cramps are very common in old people because the tendons shorten as one ages. So, I did start doing leg stretches before going to sleep and so far I've not had cramps for a while (I used to have them 3x a month in the middle of the night!)
Before going to bed, I rub a mixture of moisture cream and 1/2 tsp of magnesium powder down my lower legs and the top of my feet. It stopped all cramping and I used to have them wake me up almost every night. I am a stretcher, in good fit condition, 68 yr old female. My cramps were so painful, they would awaken me in serious pain in almost a panic. I would have a terrible time getting back to sleep. Thanks for the tips!
@@lindalamb7512 I don't think it matters honestly as long as you avoid the flavor ones. I made that mistake and my legs smelled like berries. Also I found that flavored one was a bit coarser.
@@woodstream6137 I'm sure they would work BUT they are often chunky/ roughly ground. I like a powder because I can mix that with my moisturizer fairly easily. Those epsom salts are like rock salt 🙄
I get cramps in my feet. When I feel my feet start to seize up, all I do is pull my toes back towards me until it stops. Especially if I'm in bed and don't want to get up. Gives me a nice foot stretch and stops the pain 😊
Yep, that works! Before I brought up my magnesium level via OTC supplements, I'd lay in bed and 'immediately' point toes toward me and hold that position for several seconds.
When they’re bad cramps this doesn’t help much, but it does keep the muscles from tightening even more. I immediately take an electrolyte drink (a powder mixed into water). The mixture of calcium, magnesium and potassium stops the cramps for me.
My husband and I have been using yellow mustard for many years, no drugs or chemicals. Just one tablespoon full of yellow mustard and the cramp is instantly gone. Love this. If my husband is traveling, he uses the condiment packages of mustard which are always in his suitcase. Love it!!!
Thank you. I get cramps in my thighs and calves - randomly. I made the connection from 1) wearing shoes with even a slight heel, after wearing Clarks or shoes without any incline, and 2) exercising after taking weeks off. My cramps are so bad, many times I have to get out of bed and fall to the floor writhing in pain. I passed out once. The next day one foot was so swollen it looked like a club foot. ER - diagnosis - fractured foot.
For years I kept mustard packets at the edge of the pool to get rid of cramps! In the middle of the night to I go to the kitchen and take a tablespoon of mustard, and it always works! I never understood how it works.
I drink pickle juice....it works in less than a min everytime...im a 50 yr old female with low carb diet and exercising frequently....I get leg/foot cramps all the time...PICKLE JUICE!😂
I'm 77 years old and I have suffered from leg cramps for YEARS. Not just when sleeping but I notice if I eat too much sweets at one time. How you were able to go downstairs is a mystery to me. When I get them I can't even move my legs. If the house was on fire, I'd just burn. I order dill pickle juice by the gallon (which lasts for months). I keep a small jar in the fridge. When a cramp hits my entire family knows to go grab the juice. I gulp down two or three big shallows, straight. The cramp is gone within a minute.
Over the years, I have found that if I can stand on the cramping leg for several seconds the cramps will go away. Ever since I had breast surgery back in 1998, I have had cramps under my arm. It's not very painful but it's uncomfortable. It comes and goes. Some days it's frequent then it will go away for days, weeks, or months. I haven't noticed any triggers.
I'm a bit of a fuddyduddy and used to sleep on the floor with a light sleeping pad. Calf cramps, sometimes moving into my foot, made it difficult to get up. I bought an adjustable bed to help with gerd and a 10in memory foam mattress. Get fewer cramps and when i do, i can rotate myself up and out of bed. Usually try to walk them off. Tip 1 stretches. I should do more because im very tight as a couch potato. Tip 2 ACV. I've always thought holistic claims were hokey. Most brands don't have a mother so you're left with the active ingredient acetic acid. Like the video said it takes time to digest, it never occurred to me that the sour taste could alter nerve activity.
Having gone through cycles of having leg cramps; discovered a tbsp. of pickle juice (brine) with a sip of water as a chaser works well and therefore always have on hand at least a jar of it in my refrigerator. When first read about it, it recommended Dill but that of sweet Mixed or Gherkins (my preference) works too , all within seconds. Also FTR have shared this quick fix with others whom even weight-wise are heavier than my 110 lbs. and it also worked for them!
I used to compete in long distance cycling, leg cramps were a common occurrence and was usually unsuccessfully treated with an electrolyte based drink or snack or salted nuts or pretzels. I came across an article in a cycling magazine touting the benefits of yellow mustard to get cramp relief. It works every time. Takes about a minute and it just melts away.
I agree with the neuro correlation. Did not have them until my thyroid was removed. They are more active during seasonal changes, extreme temperature changes and hyper extensions. Magnesium did not help mine.
Love the idea. I am going to try it. What is funny is that my taste buds now want more sour food, the more acidic the better, in salads, salsas, kinchi, raw sourkraut, even soups. I wonder if it is in response to occasional night leg cramps I used to get. I already do all the stretches you recommend as they feel good. I am 82
Thanks for the info on leg cramps & yes I am one of those over 60 year "old" women. I have found relief with Genexa Leg Cramps tablets. and also Natural Vitality Calm (Magnesium). The leg stretches are helpful thanks.
This may sound odd, but one of the things I do that actually help ease the pain and cramping is moving my foot left to right while still in bed and if able, fairly quickly, back and forth, continuously until the pain stops! Also, if I'm awake and detect a cramping coming on, I quickly get out of bed and walk up and down until the pain is gone. Lastly, an OTC product that appears to work as a preventative measure is Theraworx - a foam (also in spray, etc.) you rub on whatever area you experience or are likely to get these awful cramps. I don't know why, but lately, I have not had any cramping lately...thank God for that! Hope this helps someone. Still, I may purchase a bottle of the Amish Muscle Tonic to keep handy on my shelf!
I almost never cramp, but my hamstrings in both legs end up cramping any time I flex my knee fully (try pull my heel to my butt) and I’m not sure if it’s a problem with week hamstrings or maybe glutes. I drink plenty of water so I know it shouldn’t be a dehydration thing. I’ll give magnesium a go and see if that does any good. Great video guys!
7:59 😂 I came across this after watching one of your hip pain videos and thought 🧐 I've been getting mild hamstring cramping as well sometimes (over the last couple of weeks). So i thought I'll have a go with the apple cider vinegar for cramps. And yes much improvement in about a minute. Will check it out again tomorrow. Zzzz time
The absolute WORST cramp I get is inner thigh cramps (Gracilis / abductor longus). I wake up screaming and luckily I have to wear a grind guard because I end up really clenching my teeth. I'll even risk saying it hurts as bad as giving birth... I would REALLY appreciate a video on how to stretch those!
Me, too - I am almost nauseated by them. I have been stretching my hamstrings and psoas before bed and staying well hydrated and they seem to have stopped. Occasionally they happened when I sit for a long time in certain seats (at the theater akkk!!). I'll take some pickle juice or mustard packet with me next time.
@@deerlily Glad to know I'm not the only one. Tight seats are among the worst, but for me just having slightly cold legs for an hour will trigger cramps but only when I'm in bed. I used to only get these after bicycling intensely... now it's like a permanent feature
I also get occasional cramps in my upper traps - especially on my right side (I'm right handed) - and they usually happen in the car. I'm a 60 year-old, fit woman. I also occasionally get calf cramps at night. I DO find that keeping my electrolytes in balance helps ALOT.
Thanks for this, I get leg cramps always in bed, when I wake up or move to get up. I take one tablespoon of mustard be or when you start to 😂it’s coming & it helps & prevents it to happen. If it gets bad, I just take more & don’t move till it goes away. Yes, yellow mustard from the bottle. I have it at bedside. Mine used to last up to an hour & can’t move.
Mustard is a miracle, I have it at my bedside and it stops the cramp in seconds. Now I take 400 mg of magnesium every night and no cramps for the past 3 years. Inner thigh cramps are the worst, I thought I was having a heart attack in my leg on the first one, even called 911.
A Sleep Doctor suggested the changes that removed my persistent nightime leg cramps: NO caffeine for 3 weeks (then re-introduce decaf coffee, chocolate, etc unless they start again), start multivitamin with iron, restart calcium, magnesium, zinc supplement. This started to work in 48 hours for me:)
@@BeSaved_Broken2Bold Don't swallow it immediately, retain it sublingual to increase the rate of absorption. This really does work, and surprisingly quickly.
I use dill pickle juice. 1-2 Tblsp before bed. You can add equal parts water to cut the dill taste. I used to drink tonic water, 2tblsp before bed. My Dr suggested it. That works too bcz it has quinine in it. When I used to have worse cramps, I drank a half-one cup tonic water, during a cramp, to stop it immediately. I stopped bcz I don't like the idea of drinking that much quinine from the tonic water. I switched to dill pickle juice. I have chemo induced neuropathy. It's not as bad as it was 10 yrs ago.
I have had muscle cramping problems ever since I was a teenager and I am now in my 80s. I get cramps almost anywhere, in my ribs when I cough, neck when I yawn and hands when I grip things as well as legs at night. I go to a neurologist at Duke Medical Center who prescribes both dantrolene and baclofin. While they do not eliminate the cramping, they do reduce the intensity and duration.
My doctor mentioned the Tonic Water to me as an old wives tale ( 🙄, Well, I'm an old wife... ) And I was pleased to tell him at the next appointment that it worked. It had to be the quinine. He suggested that the Gin was better left out of the glass. 😁
I tend to believe in the neurological connection to cramping. I never had problems until after I was hit by a car while riding my bicycle and suffered Traumatic Brain Injury. I have searched for an end to cramping for several years and hearing this neurological connection would definitely make sense in my case, considering when the problem arose in my life.
Ahh, yeah, no. Most times it's down to improper hydration and an imbalance in electrolytes. There may a small, fractional group who experience cramps from neuro issues. But not the majority. Most studies are flawed. Unless it's a significant control group RCT study. Which there have been none. Only small group studies.
@@rider65 Wrong, I have been there and done that! Hydration, electrolytes, diets, medication, hemp, cannabis, exercise, stretching, message, therapy, footwear and every compression apparatus... all to no avail. I have even tried pickle juice and I take apple cider vinegar daily. I never tried ACV at the moment of cramping, but that would only provide momentary relief at best and not a solution. If the accident was not cause of my cramping then it is certainly one helluva coincidence, for I never had problems with cramping before.
This will sound strange but a glass of chocolate milk works for me 100% of the time . I read this online years ago and it sounded better than the usual pickle juice that's always suggested. I've both Nestles Quick and Hershey's syrup. They both work. I haven't the slightest idea why but it works every time.
Best way is to drink vinegar. Athletes have been doing it for decades. Works almost instantly. It is to do with acetylcholine which is a neurotransmitter. My friend adds it to his exercise water. I have it in a little pump bottle and just spray it under my tongue when needed. Marathon runners use small packets of mustard because they are easy to carry and have vinegar in them and it is thought that compounds in mustard also help.
I'm really surprised that as a pharmacist and having actually researched it he doesn't understand how vinegar works to stop cramps. It is to do with acetylcholine which is a neurotransmitter. Acetylcholine is used up during exercise and your body lags in producing it. When you lack acetic acid your body has to extract it from other areas of the body which takes time. Vinegar is acetic acid, your body combines this with choline to make acetylcholine. When your body is in deficit the muscle does not receive messages, sent via nerves, correctly from the brain so it does not know if it should contract or extend. End results spasms, twitches or cramps. There is research on this. And the more you exercise and include vinegar, pickles and preserves in your diet the less you will experience cramp. You should also be eating beetroot but that is a whole other chemistry lesson on vasodilation. I'm not a pharmacist, just an electrician who never gets cramp anymore.
Good info on quads and biceps femoris. My favorite for soleus and gastrocnemius is Reciprocal Inhibition. It has worked every time for 25 years and can do it in bed. Thanks for your information.
I used to get cramp on my calves almost every night in bed before i fall asleep or right before i wake up for years. I read somewhere that says being well hydrated will prevent cramps so i started drinking more water. No more cramps after that! But i do get it once in a while so i know im notdrinking enough water 😅 whenever i do get cramps on my calf, i'll immediately stand up & it'll subside. If i manage to catch it before it gets to painful, i just push my toes inward (stretching the calf). That helps to stop the cramp.
There may be something to the mind signal. When I get a cramp I have the most relief when I quit fighting it physically and turn inward and talk to my brain.
The women in my family start getting terrible leg cramps around age 40. We're careful to be sure to get enough potassium. (Bananas are convenient, *potato* is a super source.) Mom & I both tried the *Amish* stuff & I made sure to keep it in a floor-level cabinet. (No good if you can't reach it bc you can't stand.) Was it perfect & amazing? It seemed to work, but we tend to be pretty careful with prevention. (Those. Cramps. HURT.) We didn't finish the bottle, honestly. Would I recommend trying it? Yeah, I would, unless there's an allergy or affordability (or ?) issue. There's a *pressure point* thing that worked for Mom; pinching the lip in a certain way. I never got the hang of it, but maybe look into it, especially for when out of the home. My aunt swears by stepping on a cold floor. Best of luck!!!
My cramps are down the sides of my outer leg or sometimes the ankle area ( never the calf). Any suggestions please ? I drink AVC during the day and the Amish product did not help I’ve had arteries and veins checked. Could it be a nerve problem ? I also have Raynauds.
Ok but you didnt go over what to do when someone is getting a cramp in the middle of the night while sleeping. What should you do if its a calf muscle?
I have leg cramps mostly at night and sometimes multiple times a night. I'm not dehydrated because all I do is drink water all day and night. People would tell me pickle juice, sometimes it would work. Then I discovered Arnicare for leg cramps. It's organic and natural. It works so fast! But I also found out from my doctor that if I eat too much salty foods, it can cause cramps due to salt sensitivity. So I watch what I eat and have significantly lowered the amount of cramping I get. Also keep your body warm.
Pickle juice, mustard, magnesium, Amish cramp reliever have all worked for me. I also sleep with a bar of soap in my sheets. It can be open or left in the package. ?????
One night I woke in severe pain with cramp in both legs from top to bottom. I got out of bed to try to get rid of it by standing. Do not do this unless you keep hold of the bed. You guessed, I was totally helpless and keeled over. Could not save myself. Very badly broken wrist and endless pain for a long time.
When I wake up with leg cramps I quickly get out of bed and stand up. Cramp gone instantly. Also never sleep with legs straight, keep knees slightly bent.for less cramping.
This Won't Work For Me, I Shattered My Right Leg And Hip Fell Off, I Have A Rod Which Exercise Is Very Difficult And This Is The Leg I Get The Most Cramps, It's Been Over A Year Now And I Still Can't Exercise And I Can't Sleep On My Right Side, Love Watching Your Shows!
The thought of swallowing apple cider vinegar, or yellow mustard, makes me want to barf thinking about it. Do you suppose maybe a vinegar and oil salad dressing eaten during dinner may do the same thing?
What if you are allergic to apples and garlic, could I make my own with white vinegar and ginger and rinse my mouth with it? Cause I have terrible cramps in my right calf at night, do the leg stretches and they don’t help.
For more information on treating leg cramps check out the video "Top 7 Ways to Treat Leg Cramps, Muscles Cramps, Charley Horses, & Muscle Spams"- th-cam.com/video/RF3hNDWyM0Y/w-d-xo.html
Best way is to drink vinegar. Athletes have been doing it for decades. Works almost instantly. It is to do with acetylcholine which is a neurotransmitter. My friend adds it to his exercise water. I have it in a little pump bottle and just spray it under my tongue when needed. Marathon runners use small packets of mustard because they are easy to carry and have vinegar in them and it is thought that compounds in mustard also help.
I occasionally get cramps in my toes, calves, and more rarely my thighs. I learned about drinking a small amount of apple cider vinegar and that helped. Then I learned accidentally that I could get relief by removing the bottle cap, taking deep breaths, and just SMELLING the vinegar. The neurological response explanation was enlightening.
I take Apple Cider Vinegar, the old Amish formula & it works!!
My wife is in her 60s and gets cramps frequently, we discovered yellow mustard works super fast for her, and now that you mention the neurological connection it makes sense to us, sourness and the Brain connection, another friend uses sour pickles, again SOUR is the key, thanks for this very valuable information, I drink apple cider vinegar regularly and hardly ever gave any cramps, SOUR!!!❤
This works, as I know from experience. Also, squeeze the cramping muscle as hard as you can.
@@janicedare8832 it was a miracle cure for my wife, I drink ACV regularly and don’t get cramps, maybe it helps, I don’t want big pharma to give me pills!
My cardiologist told me to take 200 mg of magnesium supplement in morning &,
evening. Stopped my leg cramps 100%
Helps with anxiety, headaches, all kinds of health benefits. ❤
Same, leg cramps stopped with magnesium supplement and good for my heart too. Excellent comment!
There's different types of Magnesium too, some types create upset bowels, some don't absorb fully, just saying that for people reading.
Can you please tell me which type of magnesium supplement you take? Thanks so much!
Thanks! I had a cramp in both thighs, both calves, both feet last night. I worked really hard yesterday and over exerted my muscles. I got out of bed and stood there unable to move. The most extreme pain I have ever had. Bent over the bed and was sweating so bad. Next thing I woke up on the floor with my knee scrape up. The pain had slowed down I I managed to get back in bed. I turned on the heating pad hoping that they were over. Also had a huge glass of water. Phew! Then I began watching every video and so many texts about it. I’m going to do everything you just said, including the apple cider vinegar the mustard and everything else that I’ve heard of that makes sense. Now I’m really afraid to go to sleep! Thanks for your helpful video! ❤❤❤❤❤❤ i’ll let you know if all of that works for me.
Great, thanks! Keep up the great work!
Checking in. I’ve not had the cramps since I made this post. Although I hate taking medicines I’ve been drinking much more water.
I just started getting leg cramps at age 74. They are on the inner thigh. The first time I literally passed out from the pain. Thank you for the info.
Me too. They are vicious
@@michaelscott263 vicious!!! you said it!!!
I did last night. I’m 77 😢
Fearsome pain.@@michaelscott263
My leg cramps stopped when I started taking a magnesium supplement.
Mine improved with ACV, eating more pickles and not drinking beer but I can't give up beer. 🍺
You can spray on topical magnesium and get better absorption. Our GI doesn't absorb magnesium much at all, especially synthetic.
@@Ydkm8364 magnesium supplement is not synthetic. That is inaccurate information..
make me disappear? Like how you deleted that comment. It is never wise to take supplements if you aren't under Dr supervision as you can easily over do it since there is no regulation on them. I in no way am telling you what to do, just offering other valid information for those of us not under Dr supervision and who don't want to poison ourselves by over doing it. And BS, majority of supplements are synthetic you maroon
I took that stuff for a while but my penis never got any bigger!
Prayers for Bob
Oh my goodness I have separate from severe leg cramps for years. Even if this works just a little bit I will be eternally grateful to you. I just ordered it from Amazon right in the middle of your video. Again, thank you I don’t know what I did before I found your youtube videos.
I started getting these unbearable cramps about 10 years ago. Thankfully, they only occur once every year or two but when they do I think I'm going to die. The worst was when the cramp would start in one thigh, zip right around to the other side, totally immobilizing me. I always managed to get up, try to stand and stretch, but sometimes they were so bad that I'd breakout in a horrible sweat and vomit I found that if I keep a heating pad nearby, and felt the cramps starting I could immediately wrap the heating pad around the area and it would pretty much stop the pain in its tracks. I'm not kidding when I say I thought at times my heart was going to stop during these episodes
Thanks for sharing guys! Definitely sharing this with a few people. Have a wonderful day!
Amish muscle drink 6:19 stop cramp. ACV garlic Caleb Treeze Muscle tonic
Yellow mustard - at 76 - the little packet gives me complete release after seconds ..... Thankful to the Walmart greeter who knew I was in sevre pain and frozen - she ran across the store to Subway and got me those lottle packets - works for me ...
Yes! I told my doctor about how effective the yellow mustard is and he laughed, but he also said that he's share the information with other patients who suffered from cramps. Somethings just work and there's no scientific explanation....yet.
years ago an article in readers digest suggested that pinching the lower lip tightly for a few seconds works..sure enough it does!! taught myself to 'bite' my lower lip in my sleep if a cramp happens, goes away in seconds, I don't even come fully wake anymore. no residual ache either. Wife was skeptical but works for her too.
I do this too! with a slight variation. I pinch my upper lip in the center as hard as I can. It works for me. The original explanation was that this is an acupressure point. I just know it works for whatever reason.
I appreciate all the info you provide!
I get leg cramping when driving in stop and go traffic in a semi. Thanks for this vid.
Perfect timing. Had 2 bouts last night-screamers! Magnesium, potassium and lots of water. Just the same I am ordering that stuff from Amazon. As anyone knows, you'd do everything possible to stop the pain. 🤯
I take magnesium, potassium, and drink lots of water for that reason. It helps but I still get cramps. Pickle juice was recommended and it stops cramps for me within a minute ever single time.
What is the stuff called? He says it but cannot understand what he says!!!
Great content! Thank you
A million thanks guys!
I've suffered for decades with some really really scary painful leg cramps, so I'm going for the apple cider vinegar. Up till now, I've used baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), which works, but all that sodium is probably not good for the blood pressure, so vinegar is a great alternative! Could the underlying cause be some kinda pH imbalance? acid/base kinda stuff? 🤔
I have read that cramps are very common in old people because the tendons shorten as one ages. So, I did start doing leg stretches before going to sleep and so far I've not had cramps for a while (I used to have them 3x a month in the middle of the night!)
Before going to bed, I rub a mixture of moisture cream and 1/2 tsp of magnesium powder down my lower legs and the top of my feet. It stopped all cramping and I used to have them wake me up almost every night. I am a stretcher, in good fit condition, 68 yr old female. My cramps were so painful, they would awaken me in serious pain in almost a panic. I would have a terrible time getting back to sleep. Thanks for the tips!
What type of mag powder/ brand?
@@lindalamb7512 I don't think it matters honestly as long as you avoid the flavor ones. I made that mistake and my legs smelled like berries. Also I found that flavored one was a bit coarser.
Epsom salts?
@@woodstream6137 I'm sure they would work BUT they are often chunky/ roughly ground. I like a powder because I can mix that with my moisturizer fairly easily. Those epsom salts are like rock salt 🙄
I get cramps in my feet. When I feel my feet start to seize up, all I do is pull my toes back towards me until it stops. Especially if I'm in bed and don't want to get up. Gives me a nice foot stretch and stops the pain 😊
Yep, that works! Before I brought up my magnesium level via OTC supplements, I'd lay in bed and 'immediately' point toes toward me and hold that position for several seconds.
There is a video that exclaims how forcing an opposing muscle contraction helps. Can't remember the details.
When they’re bad cramps this doesn’t help much, but it does keep the muscles from tightening even more. I immediately take an electrolyte drink (a powder mixed into water). The mixture of calcium, magnesium and potassium stops the cramps for me.
Yeah, sometimes it'll come back several times. I need to get something I can keep by the bed.
Keep up the great work, guys, including Bob, of course! ☺
🙏🕊❤
good info
My husband and I have been using yellow mustard for many years, no drugs or chemicals. Just one tablespoon full of yellow mustard and the cramp is instantly gone. Love this. If my husband is traveling, he uses the condiment packages of mustard which are always in his suitcase. Love it!!!
Any kind of mustard works. I love it.
Mustard packs are a great idea since they contain vinegar too.
You eat it?
@hellonheels9217 yes. The sour vinegar in mustard is supposed to "confuse" the cramp.
How do you keep from puking it up? I'm seriously asking.
Thank you. I get cramps in my thighs and calves - randomly. I made the connection from 1) wearing shoes with even a slight heel, after wearing Clarks or shoes without any incline, and 2) exercising after taking weeks off. My cramps are so bad, many times I have to get out of bed and fall to the floor writhing in pain. I passed out once. The next day one foot was so swollen it looked like a club foot. ER - diagnosis - fractured foot.
GREAT tips to know! Thanks guys! Cheers! 😎😎😎
For years I kept mustard packets at the edge of the pool to get rid of cramps! In the middle of the night to I go to the kitchen and take a tablespoon of mustard, and it always works! I never understood how it works.
Pulling toes froward helps too 🥰
I train seniors. I have noted that cramps are very common exercising in the water compaired to land
I repeatedly had this in warm water at the pool
I drink pickle juice....it works in less than a min everytime...im a 50 yr old female with low carb diet and exercising frequently....I get leg/foot cramps all the time...PICKLE JUICE!😂
I'm 77 years old and I have suffered from leg cramps for YEARS. Not just when sleeping but I notice if I eat too much sweets at one time. How you were able to go downstairs is a mystery to me. When I get them I can't even move my legs. If the house was on fire, I'd just burn. I order dill pickle juice by the gallon (which lasts for months). I keep a small jar in the fridge. When a cramp hits my entire family knows to go grab the juice. I gulp down two or three big shallows, straight. The cramp is gone within a minute.
Also found if I add heat to the cramp using a heating pad it works really well.
Over the years, I have found that if I can stand on the cramping leg for several seconds the cramps will go away.
Ever since I had breast surgery back in 1998, I have had cramps under my arm. It's not very painful but it's uncomfortable. It comes and goes. Some days it's frequent then it will go away for days, weeks, or months. I haven't noticed any triggers.
I'm a bit of a fuddyduddy and used to sleep on the floor with a light sleeping pad. Calf cramps, sometimes moving into my foot, made it difficult to get up. I bought an adjustable bed to help with gerd and a 10in memory foam mattress. Get fewer cramps and when i do, i can rotate myself up and out of bed. Usually try to walk them off. Tip 1 stretches. I should do more because im very tight as a couch potato. Tip 2 ACV. I've always thought holistic claims were hokey. Most brands don't have a mother so you're left with the active ingredient acetic acid. Like the video said it takes time to digest, it never occurred to me that the sour taste could alter nerve activity.
Having gone through cycles of having leg cramps; discovered a tbsp. of pickle juice (brine) with a sip of water as a chaser works well and therefore always have on hand at least a jar of it in my refrigerator. When first read about it, it recommended Dill but that of sweet Mixed or Gherkins (my preference) works too , all within seconds. Also FTR have shared this quick fix with others whom even weight-wise are heavier than my 110 lbs. and it also worked for them!
I used to compete in long distance cycling, leg cramps were a common occurrence and was usually unsuccessfully treated with an electrolyte based drink or snack or salted nuts or pretzels. I came across an article in a cycling magazine touting the benefits of yellow mustard to get cramp relief. It works every time. Takes about a minute and it just melts away.
I agree with the neuro correlation. Did not have them until my thyroid was removed. They are more active during seasonal changes, extreme temperature changes and hyper extensions. Magnesium did not help mine.
We love Mike's shirt. Where can we pick one up?
The tonic works for me. I take it every night before bed. It helps prevent my usual horrible leg cramps!
Love the idea. I am going to try it. What is funny is that my taste buds now want more sour food, the more acidic the better, in salads, salsas, kinchi, raw sourkraut, even soups. I wonder if it is in response to occasional night leg cramps I used to get. I already do all the stretches you recommend as they feel good. I am 82
Tonic water with quinine. Works every time.
Magnesium citrate daily (evening) and drink a glass of water if you feel a cramp coming on. Often a sign of dehydration. It works!
Thanks for the info on leg cramps & yes I am one of those over 60 year "old" women. I have found relief with Genexa Leg Cramps tablets. and also Natural Vitality Calm (Magnesium). The leg stretches are helpful thanks.
This may sound odd, but one of the things I do that actually help ease the pain and cramping is moving my foot left to right while still in bed and if able, fairly quickly, back and forth, continuously until the pain stops! Also, if I'm awake and detect a cramping coming on, I quickly get out of bed and walk up and down until the pain is gone. Lastly, an OTC product that appears to work as a preventative measure is Theraworx - a foam (also in spray, etc.) you rub on whatever area you experience or are likely to get these awful cramps. I don't know why, but lately, I have not had any cramping lately...thank God for that! Hope this helps someone. Still, I may purchase a bottle of the Amish Muscle Tonic to keep handy on my shelf!
I almost never cramp, but my hamstrings in both legs end up cramping any time I flex my knee fully (try pull my heel to my butt) and I’m not sure if it’s a problem with week hamstrings or maybe glutes. I drink plenty of water so I know it shouldn’t be a dehydration thing. I’ll give magnesium a go and see if that does any good. Great video guys!
7:59 😂 I came across this after watching one of your hip pain videos and thought 🧐 I've been getting mild hamstring cramping as well sometimes (over the last couple of weeks). So i thought I'll have a go with the apple cider vinegar for cramps. And yes much improvement in about a minute. Will check it out again tomorrow. Zzzz time
The absolute WORST cramp I get is inner thigh cramps (Gracilis / abductor longus). I wake up screaming and luckily I have to wear a grind guard because I end up really clenching my teeth. I'll even risk saying it hurts as bad as giving birth... I would REALLY appreciate a video on how to stretch those!
Same here. It's worse than the calf cramps.
Me, too - I am almost nauseated by them. I have been stretching my hamstrings and psoas before bed and staying well hydrated and they seem to have stopped. Occasionally they happened when I sit for a long time in certain seats (at the theater akkk!!). I'll take some pickle juice or mustard packet with me next time.
@@deerlily Glad to know I'm not the only one.
Tight seats are among the worst, but for me just having slightly cold legs for an hour will trigger cramps but only when I'm in bed. I used to only get these after bicycling intensely... now it's like a permanent feature
@@Liz-cmc313100 time worse for me
eat some salt when they start
I also get occasional cramps in my upper traps - especially on my right side (I'm right handed) - and they usually happen in the car. I'm a 60 year-old, fit woman. I also occasionally get calf cramps at night. I DO find that keeping my electrolytes in balance helps ALOT.
Thanks for this, I get leg cramps always in bed, when I wake up or move to get up. I take one tablespoon of mustard be or when you start to 😂it’s coming & it helps & prevents it to happen. If it gets bad, I just take more & don’t move till it goes away. Yes, yellow mustard from the bottle. I have it at bedside. Mine used to last up to an hour & can’t move.
Mustard is a miracle, I have it at my bedside and it stops the cramp in seconds. Now I take 400 mg of magnesium every night and no cramps for the past 3 years. Inner thigh cramps are the worst, I thought I was having a heart attack in my leg on the first one, even called 911.
Hydration is key , water.
I use heat when the camps hit. I use a blowdryer
Ingenious, the blowdryer. Woman power!
A Sleep Doctor suggested the changes that removed my persistent nightime leg cramps: NO caffeine for 3 weeks (then re-introduce decaf coffee, chocolate, etc unless they start again), start multivitamin with iron, restart calcium, magnesium, zinc supplement. This started to work in 48 hours for me:)
ps. I think it was the no caffeine that did the trick for me. When I drink/eat too much, they start again, though much less intense.
A tablespoon of yellow mustard (French"s, etc) sublingual and hold it for a couple of minutes during the cramp event has always worked for us.
What do you mean “and hold it for a couple of minutes”? Thanks for clarifying and for the comment. I sincerely appreciate it!
@@BeSaved_Broken2Bold Don't swallow it immediately, retain it sublingual to increase the rate of absorption. This really does work, and surprisingly quickly.
I use dill pickle juice. 1-2 Tblsp before bed. You can add equal parts water to cut the dill taste.
I used to drink tonic water, 2tblsp before bed. My Dr suggested it. That works too bcz it has quinine in it. When I used to have worse cramps, I drank a half-one cup tonic water, during a cramp, to stop it immediately. I stopped bcz I don't like the idea of drinking that much quinine from the tonic water. I switched to dill pickle juice. I have chemo induced neuropathy. It's not as bad as it was 10 yrs ago.
Magnesium/ potassium also helps w/ these procedures, stretching....
Thanks for sharing!
I have had muscle cramping problems ever since I was a teenager and I am now in my 80s. I get cramps almost anywhere, in my ribs when I cough, neck when I yawn and hands when I grip things as well as legs at night. I go to a neurologist at Duke Medical Center who prescribes both dantrolene and baclofin. While they do not eliminate the cramping, they do reduce the intensity and duration.
Maybe you could try the apple cider vinegar. Just smell it. Deep breaths. It might work!
Tonic water, cramp is gone in five minutes. It's the quinine.
Is there quinine nowadays?
@@tessalister1226 yes, in tonic water. They stopped prescribing because of side effects. There is only a small quantity in tonic water.
My doctor mentioned the Tonic Water to me as an old wives tale ( 🙄, Well, I'm an old wife... ) And I was pleased to tell him at the next appointment that it worked. It had to be the quinine. He suggested that the Gin was better left out of the glass. 😁
A G&T at bedtime then
A tablespoon of mustard will get rid of any cramp in about 3 min.s It really does work. I will try your exercises. Thanks guys
I tend to believe in the neurological connection to cramping. I never had problems until after I was hit by a car while riding my bicycle and suffered Traumatic Brain Injury. I have searched for an end to cramping for several years and hearing this neurological connection would definitely make sense in my case, considering when the problem arose in my life.
Ahh, yeah, no. Most times it's down to improper hydration and an imbalance in electrolytes. There may a small, fractional group who experience cramps from neuro issues. But not the majority. Most studies are flawed. Unless it's a significant control group RCT study. Which there have been none. Only small group studies.
@@rider65 Wrong, I have been there and done that! Hydration, electrolytes, diets, medication, hemp, cannabis, exercise, stretching, message, therapy, footwear and every compression apparatus... all to no avail.
I have even tried pickle juice and I take apple cider vinegar daily. I never tried ACV at the moment of cramping, but that would only provide momentary relief at best and not a solution.
If the accident was not cause of my cramping then it is certainly one helluva coincidence, for I never had problems with cramping before.
@@rider65 How do you know the studies are flawed? How do you know what causes cramps in others?
What made a world of difference for me was to eliminate sugar! No more leg cramps!
Is there a show you’ve talked about rotator cuff tear.
This will sound strange but a glass of chocolate milk works for me 100% of the time . I read this online years ago and it sounded better than the usual pickle juice that's always suggested. I've both Nestles Quick and Hershey's syrup. They both work. I haven't the slightest idea why but it works every time.
Best way is to drink vinegar. Athletes have been doing it for decades. Works almost instantly. It is to do with acetylcholine which is a neurotransmitter. My friend adds it to his exercise water. I have it in a little pump bottle and just spray it under my tongue when needed. Marathon runners use small packets of mustard because they are easy to carry and have vinegar in them and it is thought that compounds in mustard also help.
I'm really surprised that as a pharmacist and having actually researched it he doesn't understand how vinegar works to stop cramps. It is to do with acetylcholine which is a neurotransmitter. Acetylcholine is used up during exercise and your body lags in producing it. When you lack acetic acid your body has to extract it from other areas of the body which takes time. Vinegar is acetic acid, your body combines this with choline to make acetylcholine.
When your body is in deficit the muscle does not receive messages, sent via nerves, correctly from the brain so it does not know if it should contract or extend. End results spasms, twitches or cramps. There is research on this. And the more you exercise and include vinegar, pickles and preserves in your diet the less you will experience cramp.
You should also be eating beetroot but that is a whole other chemistry lesson on vasodilation.
I'm not a pharmacist, just an electrician who never gets cramp anymore.
Magnesium for me for the legs but havent found anything for the feet when Im doing yoga.
Good info on quads and biceps femoris.
My favorite for soleus and gastrocnemius is Reciprocal Inhibition. It has worked every time for 25 years and can do it in bed.
Thanks for your information.
What is the name of that stuff you take? I don't see a link.
Magnesium spray that you can apply to the cramping area helps, too
Tonic water has worked great for me , i don't like tonic at all but will drink it a sec when i get a cramp
A tablespoon of mustard works right away.
I used to get cramp on my calves almost every night in bed before i fall asleep or right before i wake up for years. I read somewhere that says being well hydrated will prevent cramps so i started drinking more water. No more cramps after that! But i do get it once in a while so i know im notdrinking enough water 😅 whenever i do get cramps on my calf, i'll immediately stand up & it'll subside. If i manage to catch it before it gets to painful, i just push my toes inward (stretching the calf). That helps to stop the cramp.
My husband has severe leg cramps, so painful they sometimes leave bruises. He eats a banana now when it starts, and gets almost instant relief.
I worked with a country doctor and he always said a taste of mustard………tsp of pickle juice too
They both worked for me
There may be something to the mind signal. When I get a cramp I have the most relief when I quit fighting it physically and turn inward and talk to my brain.
Does it talk back?
Pickles or pickle relish work every time. ❤
I read something about mustard on the tongue working the same as ACV
The women in my family start getting terrible leg cramps around age 40. We're careful to be sure to get enough potassium. (Bananas are convenient, *potato* is a super source.)
Mom & I both tried the *Amish* stuff & I made sure to keep it in a floor-level cabinet. (No good if you can't reach it bc you can't stand.) Was it perfect & amazing? It seemed to work, but we tend to be pretty careful with prevention.
(Those. Cramps. HURT.) We didn't finish the bottle, honestly. Would I recommend trying it? Yeah, I would, unless there's an allergy or affordability (or ?) issue.
There's a *pressure point* thing that worked for Mom; pinching the lip in a certain way. I never got the hang of it, but maybe look into it, especially for when out of the home.
My aunt swears by stepping on a cold floor.
Best of luck!!!
My cramps are down the sides of my outer leg or sometimes the ankle area ( never the calf). Any suggestions please ? I drink AVC during the day and the Amish product did not help I’ve had arteries and veins checked. Could it be a nerve problem ? I also have Raynauds.
Here is a link to all our related videos: www.youtube.com/@BobandBrad/search?query=cramps
Ok but you didnt go over what to do when someone is getting a cramp in the middle of the night while sleeping. What should you do if its a calf muscle?
Hello- can you do a video on land hip labrum tear?
We already have one, Search it under Bob and Brad TH-cam
Very true, I’m taking magnesium too & other supplements but still have them occasionally but gladly not as bad as before. Thanks.
What was the name of the tonic, I couldn't find it.
Apple Cider Vinegar works for me in less than a minute too. Pickle juice works too, and it tastes a little better.
I hate those, so painful. I usually get them when I don't use enough salt in my food.
I have leg cramps mostly at night and sometimes multiple times a night. I'm not dehydrated because all I do is drink water all day and night. People would tell me pickle juice, sometimes it would work. Then I discovered Arnicare for leg cramps. It's organic and natural. It works so fast! But I also found out from my doctor that if I eat too much salty foods, it can cause cramps due to salt sensitivity. So I watch what I eat and have significantly lowered the amount of cramping I get. Also keep your body warm.
😊
Pickle juice, mustard, magnesium, Amish cramp reliever have all worked for me.
I also sleep with a bar of soap in my sheets. It can be open or left in the package. ?????
All you got to do is stand up or walk a step or two
That works for calf cramps but not cramps that I get on the front of my legs from ankle to shins.
One night I woke in severe pain with cramp in both legs from top to bottom. I got out of bed to try to get rid of it by standing. Do not do this unless you keep hold of the bed. You guessed, I was totally helpless and keeled over. Could not save myself. Very badly broken wrist and endless pain for a long time.
I have started eating an avocado every day, and it helps my calf cramps on my daily walk.
I get cramps at night in my anterior tibialis but see no mention of that anywhere. Any thoughts on that?
The quinine in tonic water helps me, but generally takes a couple of minutes.
i'm 34 and i even need this video
When I wake up with leg cramps I quickly get out of bed and stand up. Cramp gone instantly. Also never sleep with legs straight, keep knees slightly bent.for less cramping.
Thank you for sharing!
Mustard. Pickle juice. Both work. So why not apple cider vinegar?
This Won't Work For Me, I Shattered My Right Leg And Hip Fell Off, I Have A Rod Which Exercise Is Very Difficult And This Is The Leg I Get The Most Cramps, It's Been Over A Year Now And I Still Can't Exercise And I Can't Sleep On My Right Side, Love Watching Your Shows!
Magnesium gel applied on the cramping leg works immediately!!!
I wonder if the ACV will interact with Coreg?
The thought of swallowing apple cider vinegar, or yellow mustard, makes me want to barf thinking about it. Do you suppose maybe a vinegar and oil salad dressing eaten during dinner may do the same thing?
What if you are allergic to apples and garlic, could I make my own with white vinegar and ginger and rinse my mouth with it? Cause I have terrible cramps in my right calf at night, do the leg stretches and they don’t help.
I have leg, foot and toe cramps almost all the time. I will try the ACT….
Like hiccups, various ways, try and with a bit of luck, will find one that suits and works for you.