Have had leg cramps for years. Started out mainly with bad cramping in my feet, toes tweaking in all directions, etc. Would wake me, and I could stand up and work the cramps out of my feet and toes. Walking a lot, for me, usually causes them. Like shopping at the mall, etc., by the time I get to the car, my feet are cramping really bad. I try to work them out and also take my shoes off (even though my shoes are not too tight.) I also get what I consider "restless leg" syndrome at night. My legs don't really hurt but ache and throb making it impossible to go to sleep.
I have driven commercial vehicles for decades. A lot of the equipment is old and not well maintained. I am also on the small side, having to tweak my body to make my feet reach the throttle, clutch, and brake. That, I know for a fact, has wreaked havoc on my legs and body. So, over the years, I have dealt with it, drinking pickle juice, eating bananas, etc.
Last year, I went to work for a company that has the absolute worst equipment I have ever driven. It was the cause of me starting to have severe leg and feet cramps. The throbbing would wake me at night and sometimes were as bad as bare down labor pains. I tried various OTC pills specific to solving the problem. Finally, I tried taking one a day, Magnesium 250 mg. At my worst, it gave me relief. I continue to take it!
Whenever I take pills, I try to eat a little something to coat my stomach so not to get an upset stomach. I do not have any side effects from it. Others, of course, should check with their doctors to make sure it is okay for them to take it. I also did leave the company which helped too. My legs still do the "restless leg" thing which is annoying but not really painful. Seems like it is worse the more active I am.
Did have a bone scan and turns out I have osteoporosis in low back and neck. I need to be evaluated now to find out what I should be doing to stop the progression. I cannot take an MRI and my medical doesn't do "contrast" so don't know what they'll do to evaluate it. Sadly, now wish that I had taken my recommended dose of calcium & D3 years ago. Have started taking my calcium now. Guess it's better late, than never.
Hopefully, you will find relief from this problem.