I had cramps in feet, calves, thighs, and even my torso...for years, starting in the 1990's.

Primary care physician at onset of torso cramps just asked-tsked and essentially chastised me for not drinking enough water. Told me to increase hydration and to sip tonic water nightly. My internal organs would be DROWNING if indeed it were possible to take in any more water, and I had (still do) GERD so wasn't interested in tonic water.

Fast forward a few years and leg pains and cramps along with horrid torso cramps (under right rib and just between the ribs in middle) gripped me, mostly at night but torso cramps also during day hours. She again insisted inadequate hydration was the cause. Told her she was WRONG, and that I was not ingesting tonic water and glad I didn't because quinine has been flagged by FDA. Dropped that primary care doctor. New one suggested checking in with my gastroenterologist for the torso cramps. Testing and ultrasounds showed minor cysts on liver and right kidney but otherwise all was "unremarkable" according to my GI doc of over 30 years...But torso cramps continued although less frequently but still quite painful (causing me to hunch over, rounded back, shallow breathing). Needless to say, restorative sleep was not possible.

The cramps in feet, calves, thighs continued aggressively up until about a year ago. Nothing that I can think of that would have affected that, but ever so grateful! Cramps would become tightened knots along with deep, agonizing, shooting pain, sometimes pulsating and feeling like knife-jabs while intensifying and making it impossible to move or breathe. I'd somehow inch my way off the mattress, legs first so that I'd try to stretch and bear weight down on the foot/leg in effort to somehow release the cramp grip. Didn't/doesn't always work. Would continue for what seemed an eternity, but guesstimate more like upwards of 5 minutes or so. Yes, I'd cry out in pain! And make horrid moaning sounds! My poor hubby would stand by helpless unable to do anything. I certainly did not welcome being touched, not even a well meant soothing hand on my arm or shoulder. After the cramp released its tight, deep grip, I'd be so exhausted. Totally drained of energy. I'd be afraid to move for fear for having the experience repeat itself. I would gladly have remained half-off/half-on the bed for the rest of the night, but EVER so SLOWLY, I'd inch my way back onto the mattress but once on top, would not move to find a favored position. No. I'd remain just where I'd manage to inch onto, hubby placing covers over me (definitely NEVER tucked under, always LOOSE), and he'd go to the guest room down the hall so that I could remain undisturbed, the entire bed being mine alone.

Next morning, the affected areas would be so sore.

And sometimes, DAYTIME cramps also take grip, while sitting with legs on ottoman, or upon attempting to rise from a sitting position. Or even while stretched out on the sofa. Rarely while standing. Damned cramps ruled my life. Up until about a year ago, as I said at onset of this post.

All along those prior years (and presently), magnesium malate tablets became part of my daily supplements. Also Centrum Women's vitamins, Alpha Lipoic Acid (for neuro issues), CoQ10 and low dose aspirin (as per cardiologist for heart health), D3, monthly B12 injection at new primary's office (injections prescribed by neuro-immunologist over 9 yrs ago due to brain lesions of unknown etiology and CNS issues) , and prescribed meds of cyclobenzeprine (fibromyalgia), Metoprolol Succinate Extended Release, Losartan (both for HBP).

I do have several autoimmune and neurological issues but that's just what I've learned to deal/cope with as being part of my life.
I am just SO GRATEFUL that the horrific almost-nightly and even daytime cramps are so rare now😊👍🏼. I'm set on taking care of myself as best I can because I do have way too much on my proverbial plate, including chronic pain and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. I self-advocate and do research on medical sites, not generalized ones. And every night I engage in gentle stretching exercises, especially the feet/legs. Religiously!

I have done research on the prescribed meds and have learned helpful insights. Will be seeing my cardiologist next month and definitely want to have a discussion about specific concerns regarding the metoprolol and the losartan. I'll see how that conversation goes...meantime, I'm grateful for the decreased cramps issues that were pure hell for so many years.

As for creams/OTC pills advertised as "reducing/eliminating" cramps: In my humble opinion, worthless overall. Might have a placebo effect on some cramp sufferers, but thus far I've found no research literature supporting their effectiveness.
Many are so intense in odor or burn (like Tiger Balm, or any in that category). Vick's is less odorous, doesn't burn, and actually is surprisingly effective, including with foot neuropathy pain.

I do commiserate with all of you who are plagued by cramps. May they decrease in frequency and intensity.💖