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

I am sorry for your pain. I too suffered from severe leg and foot cramps. My Dr. Did a magnesium levels blood test and my magnesium levels was 1.2. I was hospitalized 3 times due to extremely low magnesium and given many magnesium infusions. There is another magnesium test that is much more accurate which tells you how much is really getting into your cells. It is called Magnesium RBC and my results were barely within normal limits. I take 280 to 350mg of ELEMENTAL magnesium. Do not buy magnesium supplements that do not specifically have on their label the word "elemental magnesium" your body can only absorb a minimal amount of magnesium so no need for over supplementation. If your magnesium is low you will suffer a lot of cramping in your legs and possibly feet. The next thing I am about to share sounds nuts! But my parents told me to keep pickle juice on hand and when the cramps start take a.couple of tablespoons of pickle juice. I drink about a quarter cup and amazingly the cramps go away! It works every time I have to do it. So do with that information what you will, I know it's weird. However there is scientific evidence behind it. Pickle juice triggers a neurological response in your mouth and within 60 to 99 seconds the cramps will go away. Also pickle juice has a lot of electrolytes (who knew) and finally it contains a lot of sodium, and also has magnesium and potassium. Be careful if you have an existing health condition where you have to monitor your sodium and adjust your pickle juice intake. But a little goes a long way. I have to hand it to my parents generation they really know a lot of cool tricks!! Hope this helps you!

It's me again, just wanted to add one more suggestion/question. If you haven't already make sure you don't have any blood clots that could be contributing to cramping.

Either Magnesium Citrate or Magnesium Glycinate helped my leg cramps that I used to get all the time and now I no longer get. Also I have Raynaud's so I warm my feet up with a heating pad before bed which helps.

I too suffer from leg cramps at night, mainly in the winter. They started when I was about 70. Here is what helps me.
1. Keeping my feet warm. I have poor circulation as evidenced by toes and ther soles of my feet turning blue/black when I am cold. A heating pad helps tremendously. So does wearing socks to bed.
2. When the cramps occur, I try to jump up and walk to the bathroom and take some pickle juice. I laughed when this was suggested to me. My husband explained football players get cramps and need to get rid of them immdiately if they are in a game, and they use pickle juice. It is fast acting. Reallyh, itt does help and you can buy it it little bottles and keep near your bed. It is also sold online in gallon bottles, so I assume others are using it for cramps as well.
3. When cramps are really bad, I try to make my way to a hot shower (after a few gulps of pickle juice.) Take care not to fall. You may need assistance if you have a foot that is cramping and preventing you from walking safely. Try to massage your leg(s) under very hot water until you get some relief.
Massage the cramp or have your partner massage the cramp. Keek warm. Pickle juice. Apply heat (a hot shower and a heating pad to the area cramping.) Hope this helps others.

@lkildare1 I started drinking glasses of milk with my meals and before bed. It seemed to stop my cramping.

I use a heating pad on my legs, and it relaxes the muscles.

My husband uses a quinine tablet that is placed under your tongue. We order it from Amazon. It is called Hyland's Leg Cramps.

@judeesydna
I suffered from severe foot cramps and discovered it was a side effect from my statin.

I have someone at care deeply about who has been in pain for a long time and I’m hoping to let him read these comments from everyone it might make a difference. Hopefully he will get something done before it’s too late.