Severe leg cramps: How do you relax severe leg cramps?

My son also just takes a sip of pickle juice to reduce leg cramping. Pickle juice is high in sodium and also contains potassium. Lots of info on internet about benefits.

I agree standing on the ball of the foot releases the pains. However, what is the root of the cramp is the question to come up with a real mitigating answer.

Many are recommending high alkaline, HA, water. In Arizona regular filtered water and HA water are sold at health food stores in water dispensers and you bring in jugs to fill, making it very reasonable. Many in this area have water cooler crocks, as the city water tastes awful. The crocks make dispensing simple and I just fill 3 gallon bottles as they are easy to lift. So far in the Ozarks where we summer I have not found a system like this and if desired must buy in a quart bottle making it expense. Have others found that reasonably priced HA water is difficult to find?

Has anyone experimented with putting baking soda in water just to make more alkaline. I don't know why we need to spend so much for higher ph water when there might be a cheap fix. Also I did look at the ph of different commercially available water. I think Nestlé pure water is slightly alkaline and its inexpensive too. On the other hand Dasani water is acidic and I think that's the opposite of water we're looking for. But I do want to know if adding baking soda to water would raise the ph a bit into the range we are looking for.

Neat idea to make our own HA water. Go to http://alkalinewatermachinereviews.com and search for make your own alkaline water.
Simple water recipe and you are right about the baking soda. The recipe also includes sea salt, coral calcium powder and lemon juice. Also buy ph test strips. Both coral calcium powder and ph test strips sold at Walmart, Walgreens and Amazon. I was surprised by the addition of lemon juice, as Iemon is acidic, but they state that once digested the lemon juice affect is alkaline and it adds a pleasant taste. All ingredients in 1 gallon of water are 1 teaspoon except lemon juice, which is juice of 1 lemon. I will try but add perhaps just a teaspoon of lemon.

Can someone dispel or verify this? I have heard that our mouths are able to adjust the ph in water so it does not good to purchase alkaline water? I don't know what is true? And what is it supposed to do? Has anyone had a doctor talk about this or is this something you had to find out for yourself.

@mayoclinic100

I am also acidic and have such severe leg/foot cramps that I become nausseated, fall when trying to get out of bed to stomp cramp away and have resulting prickling sensations in leg after the incident which lasts hours. The cramp is lasting up to 8 minutes now. Pain overwhelming. Have taken perscription potassium, pickle juice, magnesium tablets, sleep with legs and feet under a frame to lift covers off feet and legs, use a magnesium spray on legs and feet take calcium injections twice a year and drink plenty of fluids. I am otherwise healthy, exercise daily and do a low carb diet. My GP has no comment. Any other remedies? Wits end here!

@oregongirl - do those stockings have a brand name? are they compression hose? are they made with toes or no toes?

@workswithclay29 - someone also suggested Hylands Leg Cramp pills - I get them at the natural food store. You just dissolve them under your tongue - sounds a little 'hocus-pocus' but you never know when something might help. Your cramps sound so severe. I have used tonic water for years (you get used to the taste), (and I also add a little vodka), but I do think there is something to the tonic remedy (actually - it's quinine).

Hi @workswithclay29 , It is possible that your leg cramps are actually a result of lumbar spine issues. I stretch my spine by doing a yoga pose called "active child's pose" Once I am in the pose, I hold it for as long as I can feel the stretch in the lower spine. It is important to try to push your butt to your heels to get the best stretch. You can google yoga poses to find something that shows you this easy pose. I wish you good luck getting this under control. It is horrible to have our sleep so disturbed.