Hi @911deanos -- CRAMPS -- now you mentioned what you're really having an issue with is leg and ankle cramps. Now I may have a solution for you! I also have had a lot of trouble with cramps, mostly leg cramps due to my neuropathy. Yes, they leave the muscles sore like you overdid it at the gym. Calf cramps are unbearably painful, but once you jump out of bed and press your foot on the floor, they are gone. Same with toe cramps. When I get cramps in my ankles, shins and side of knee, they are less intense, but also wake me up and are nearly impossible to get rid of. I walk around and it helps, but they come back the minute I lie down again. Miserable.

THE SOLUTION I FOUND. My cousin had the original Thumper massager for her back and neck issues and recommended to me for the same issues. Too expensive, so 30 years ago I bought a cheaper version from Walmart. No longer sold, but I just found something similar by Homedics on Amazon and Walmart that is much less expensive (see pics below). I'm not personally promoting this brand since I haven't tried it, but if you go to the 11,000+reviews (4.5 stars) and search cramps, you'll find a lot of people are using it to get out legs cramps especially in the middle of the night. The nodes are hard rubber on mine and really caused pain on my back/neck due to pain sensitivity from neuropathy, but on my leg cramps it works great. I turn mine up to the highest intensity to really shake that muscle loose. I'm not sure if it's the nodes, the intense vibration or a combination that does the trick, but I only have to use it for a minute or two and the cramp is gone for the rest of the night. I didn't think of it until now, but maybe using it all over your lower legs before bed would prevent cramps in the first place. Just research the reviews on all models for "cramps" and see what people have to say about effectiveness.

I really hope this helps you as much as it did me and apparently others on Amazon. The only downside is that it's very loud. If you live in a house, just go away from the bedrooms so you don't wake anyone up. In my current condo with thinner walls, I'm afraid it will wake up my neighbors in the middle of the night and possibly start rumors - haha - so I've just been suffering. I finally got it out about a month ago when I couldn't walk out a cramp from my knee to my ankle in the middle of the night. It's a miracle for me!!! Let me know if anyone tries this, which brand/model and if it worked for you. One of the reviews also said the massager helps their RLS at night so I may try it for that too.

Also, everyone has their own cramp triggers. For me, too much salt, any caffeine such as the little bit in chocolate, dehydration are key triggers for me. I'm predisposed due to my neuropathy. Lots of theories about various supplements helping (google). Not sure if they work for anyone. My body overreacts to supplements so I haven't tried them.