Anonymous wrote:I know it sounds crazy, but I used to get terrible middle of the night leg cramps as a competitive gymnast. My dad started taking some medication (I forget for what) and he would get leg cramps also. His doctor told him that he should quickly eat mustard and it tricks the brain into releasing the muscle. He tried it and it worked, so I tried it and it works. We both kept little packets of mustard next our bed for years. I don't get them very often anymore. I do and have always hated mustard, but it does work.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know it sounds crazy, but I used to get terrible middle of the night leg cramps as a competitive gymnast. My dad started taking some medication (I forget for what) and he would get leg cramps also. His doctor told him that he should quickly eat mustard and it tricks the brain into releasing the muscle. He tried it and it worked, so I tried it and it works. We both kept little packets of mustard next our bed for years. I don't get them very often anymore. I do and have always hated mustard, but it does work.

Tonic water or lemon juice works also. It turns off a leg cramp.

To prevent them in the first place, electrolytes/potassium.

Pickle juice and vinegar are also effective to turn off the cramps, in my experience. I keep apple cider vinegar by the sink in our bathroom. To prevent them, good sleep and hydration are key. I well know the sleep part is not so easy when your calves are cramping—it can definitely be a vicious cycle.

Anonymous wrote:pull your toe up towards you to halt the cramp.

no new advice on prevention though.