Muscle cramping severe

My husband has used Thera Works……an over the counter “foam” that is full of magnesium. It took away the muscle cramps instantly!

I have had severe horrible leg cramps in multiple locations, and haven't found anything that stops them. I can wake up screaming, and sometimes it goes on for 20 minutes. I've tried cold and hot bath water, various supplements, drinking water right then, trying to improve general hydration, massage, and even spray potassium. I thought it was activity level, and played with moving the time and level around.
Now, after years of this, I went back to stretching before bed, but with more intent, and time involved. Someone suggested it and rather than thinking I already tried that, I went at it again, and it's worked.

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.💖

I know EXACTLY what you've endured!
Many of the sources that I researched included stretching as not only an important activity but also highly recommended its inclusion in evening activities. I stretch using movements that I learned via Silver Sneakers videos, online, and from my oh-too-many PT and OT sessions. I also stretch not just legs/feet, but also the upper body as well. I do a step-by-step relaxation from toes up to cranium that I learned decades ago while taking Lamaze classes for childbirth. I believe it's also called The Military Sleep Method, an activity that helps soldiers de-stress and fall asleep. I just know that it feels dang great! And it does melt away the tightness from the day. Here are a few sites that I found that explain the method (and probably have a video that goes along with the explanation; I did not click on the sites to find out):
https://www.verywellmind.com/military-sleep-method-711116
https://sleepdoctor.com/how-sleep-works/military-sleep-method
https://www.choosingtherapy.com/military-sleep-method
And for a video, go to youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpBj5Z1TbyU

Also, I'd like to recommend that you try this activity, which I absolutely love to do :
•Lie down on the floor (I prefer that to my bed because I can get really close to the wall).
•Skooch your body all the way up to the wall, with legs straight up against the wall and thighs touching the wall.
•Place arms out on your sides.
•Now focus and relax your body, keeping your legs against the wall with feet facing the ceiling.
•Feel how your legs start to feel less heavy, and for me the sensations of neuropathy and other pain issues that affect my legs and feet seem to flow down, bringing relief. I have collapsed valves in my legs (had one "corrected" but still feel pain). This position really helps me obtain relief and comfort. Just feels amazingly good for me and my specific issues.
•Stay in the position for about 8 to 15 minutes. If you begin to feel any kind of pain, STOP. But all I've ever felt is relief. I've been doing this for decades; started doing it while teaching on my feet all day for nearly 25 years.
•Get up slowly, allowing yourself to not engage in any strenuous activities afterward. I especially like this relax strategy as a prep for bedtime. Great to have in evening ritual.

Also: I never apply cold, only warmth. Cold makes muscles contract and increases my pain. I love the large heating pad that our daughter gifted us a couple of years ago.
I agree with you on the gentle massage.
I have a favorite nail salon in town where I've developed a nice relationship with a young woman who respects that I don't want vigorous treatment on my feet/legs. She gently and slowly massages my feet, ankles, legs but not my toes since I have three neuromas that can shriek out nasty pain. No nail polish, just a pedicure, gentle massage, lightly "sanded" heel areas. All the nice oils that she uses during the pedicure. Same price as basic pedicure, but I am happy to pay it since I feel valued as a customer. She puts on my socks and shoes, then since I have gait-balance issues, Sue helps me down and guides me to the front desk. I go when the salon opens first thing in the morning and I'm often the only customer there that early in the day. AND everyone wears masks!

As for pain creams: I do not use any of the OTC creams on the market. Either too stinky, or they burn my sensitive, dry skin. I wasted a bit of money trying out a few, then gave up. I especially detested Tiger Balm, and anything with a hideously strong eucalyptus or menthol odor.
My husband uses Vicks on his feet and hands for arthritic and neuropathy pain, and it helps him tremendously (covers his feet with socks and hands with cotton gloves). I have read in several articles (discovered while doing research) that give credit to the use of Vicks. I don't like the smell, but the Baby formula is less odiferous. I used it on my feet/ankle one night when Pain Level was an 8 out of 9. Made pain dissipate down to a more tolerable 4'ish. But I can't stand the thought of smearing larger areas of my body with that ointment. Uh-uh! You might want to try it, see if it helps you. Get a small jar, CVS and similar stores often have sales/coupons.
I've written a book with this long response! I hope some of the content is useful for you.
If you try out any of my suggestions, I'd love to hear from you.
May you find longer periods of time without pain🌺.