Severe leg cramping

I've had leg and foot cramps for many years. Depending on the muscles, the cramps can draw the foot back and I have to gradually move it back by straightening my leg(s) . Don't know if cramps are from my celiac or neuropathy. I got covid March of 2023 and then LC so had to ramp down my exercise for 8 months because LC hit my cardiovascular system, and the cramps returned. I have minimized the cramps over the years by exercising past them, meaning that building up the muscles using PT and biking/walking/swimming/etc will strengthen the muscles enough that they don't cramp as much. An increase in exercise tolerance. What not to do is do not force the cramping muscle(s) back, to instead gradually knead and lengthen them, otherwise you can tear muscle. Yoga, stretching, and PT help to lengthen the muscles. Having a good electrolyte balance is good as well (drink enough water, enough salts). It is a pain, but one that is manageable.

I used to have leg cramps that would wake me up at night. They were severe. I found that getting into a tub of water, as hot as I could stand, while the leg cramp was present and rub my calves and thighs, would help the cramp disapate.
The most effective treatment I´ve found for preventing leg cramps is to stay well hydrated. I make a point to drink 1 quart or liter of water or electrolyte solution before noon in addition to whatever juice or hot beverage I may have, and then in the afternoon, I drink whatever liquids I happen to want. I figure that with the 1 liter before lunch plus juice plus hot beverages, plus all that I drink in the afternoon, I´m getting at least 2 liters/day. I have not had a leg cramp since.

I get bad leg cramps. When I try to move the leg, foot, ankle or toes it just gets worse. They also last for a long period of time. My dog has gotten my husband at times because they are so bad. I would love to hear any remedies that work. So far any roll on or foam lidocaine does nothing.

I do keep hydrated, 64 oz + of fluids a day. Part of the fluids is Gatorade.

Like everyone else said: hydrate, I try to drink more water closer to bedtime. But what really helps me is as soon as the cramp starts I wrap the leg in a big heating pad (that I bought specifically because of the cramps).

Dr. Berg has a video on electrolytes and one on potassium. I will give links below.
I use "No Salt" when cooking that is 100% potassium. Major groceries (Kroger, Walmart) carry it in the spice section. We do get a lot of sodium in all processed foods, but it is difficult to get potassium.
I did find Dr. Berg's statement interesting that stress lowers potassium levels.

Electrolytes:

If you want to avoid the sugar that is in Gatorade, pick up (or order on-line) powdered electrolyte salts. You mix a small amount with water to make a quart or liter. I make up a bottle before I go to bed at night, put it in the refrig., and in the morning it is cold and ready to go. Do keep hydrated.

Thank you!

@bvw, you and others may also be interested in this related discussion:
- Charlie Horses and Cramping: What helps?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/charlie-horses-cramping/