CarbAbuser's Journal, 04 Oct 20

I have had experience with muscle spasms at night before. If you want a couple tips, eating a couple tsp. worth of mustard relaxes your muscles. you can put it in your meals, on a sandwich... (or if you're like me and dislike mustard you can choke it down on a spoon followed by a good glass of water) also, on that note make sure you stay hydrated as it helps keep the muscles relaxed as well. You can also use a topical cream like Voltaren if you prefer. I find that works too, especially the extra strength if you live somewhere it is sold. the extra strength is a silver and blue bottle and regular is silver and orange/yellow. and the last thing I'll mention is when you start having a spasm, stand up RIGHT AWAY.... sounds crazy, but applying your body weight a d pressure to the calf actually forces it to activate and cancels the spasm. Hope that helps!  

Thanks Melody. Unfortunately, most of my spasms are mid-sleep. Standing up at that point is impossible (I have Meniere's which would knock me flat if I stand up too fast.) I drink a lot of water, but never heard of the mustard. I take magnesium tablets for restless leg syndrome and had heard it helps for spasms... so far, nope! 

So, umm, I'm getting old. Canadian Thanksgiving is NEXT weekend! Oh well, we're having turkey tonight regardless, lol. 

Hi, there is also magnesium spray, so you can rub it into calf before going to bed. It really helps my husband  

My mom uses magnesium for night-time leg cramps: https://www.healthline.com/health/magnesium-for-leg-cramps 

yep magnesium either internally or topically for leg cramps 

Also make sure to stay hydrated. Lots of water. Dehydration can cause leg cramps as well. 

You can take an epsom salt bath as well before going to bed. 

I agree drink plenty of water.  

Calcium/magnesium and lots of water :) 

Warming your muscles with a gentle massage, heating pad, or warm bath will also help you remove the build up of lactic acid, as you have increased your exercise and so there are more metabolic end products in your muscles. -- I agree with the other advice about taking in enough water, magnesium, and calcium. I don't know if Epsom salts in the bath actually provide your muscle with magnesium and sodium or other salts. Skin is not really able to absorb ionic minerals into the circulation or underlying muscles. Skin is a barrier. I suspect doing some stretching before and after exercising might be helpful too.  

My husband had his pharmacy mix up a 30 percent (by weight) mixture of manganese sulfate in a glaxal base. Rubs it on his legs after a shower  

Drink more water, my guess is you’re cramping due to lack of hydration. 

have a couple sips of pickle juice if u have it on hand. magnesium supplement too