Q: I am writing to you because of an article I read back in August 2004 in which Dr. Gott talked about using a bar of soap for leg cramps. I was working as a travel nurse and was in St. Louis at that time. Otherwise I never would have seen it.
I had been bothered with leg cramps my entire adult life, as was my mother. I ate a banana daily and that seemed to help. But – the very day I put a bar of soap in my bed was the day the cramps stopped . I keep the article in case people thought I was making it up. I happened to come across that article and thought I would respond and thank you for nine years of restful sleep.
Over the years I have told many people about this. In fact I told a woman in the supermarket last week. She was looking for tonic water and happened to tell me she took it for leg cramps. I said to her “this may sound funny, but try a bar of soap. It’s cheap, easy and there are no side effects” Her response was, “Hey, what have I got to lose?” So, I just wanted to let you know. Keep up the good work.
A: Well, for you to cut out an article and keep it for nine years is quite remarkable. As we wrote several years ago, we have received countless home remedies over the years. For the most part, the suggestions are inexpensive and do offer alternatives to prescription medications that can carry unwanted side effects.
Most frequently, night time leg cramps occur for no known reason at all and they are generally harmless. However, there are instances when they may be caused by peripheral artery disease, spinal stenosis, types 1 or 2 diabetes, the use of oral contraceptives, an under or overactive thyroid condition, and specific drugs including statins, estrogen, naproxen and diuretics. Parkinson’s disease, muscle fatigue from over-exercising, sitting too long, or dehydration can cause leg cramps. And, because there are instances in which an underlying medical condition is present, individuals with leg cramps should visit a health care professional for his or her opinion on the cause.
For example, statin drugs prescribed to lower cholesterol levels are known to cause cramps, as is dehydration from extended periods of exercise and exposure to sunshine and heat during a normal work day without benefit of hydration. That’s why it is extremely important to replenish fluids with water, sports drinks that contain electrolytes, or other liquids. Parathyroidism can cause calcium levels to rise or fall and cramping to result. Peripheral vascular disease a/k/a peripheral artery disease, refers to a condition in which blood vessels narrow, leading to a decreased blood flow to the legs and feet. It is caused by arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. The condition occurs when plaque builds up on the walls of arteries, causing them to narrow. The muscles of the legs are forced to work harder because they fail to receive sufficient blood and oxygen. Cramping results. Those at higher risk are smokers, people with hypertension, diabetes and elevated cholesterol levels.
There are numerous ways to combat cramping. The first, cheapest and easiest I have discovered is by placing a bar of soap under the bottom sheet of your bed in the area of your calves. We recommend the small bars found in hotel rooms , simply because they take up such a small amount of space. And, when you change the bed, just leave the bar in place and cover it with a clean sheet. Then there’s pickle juice. By drinking four to eight ounces of the juice or eating a pickle before retiring for the evening, a good night’s rest should be in store. However, extra care must be taken if an individual is on a low-sodium diet and considering the pickle juice remedy. Bananas and baked potatoes are full of potassium. They, too, have been reported to curb the pain of leg cramps.
Other readers who are interested in still other home remedies can order Dr. Gott’s Health Report “More Compelling Home Remedies” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 US check or money order to Peter H. Gott, MD Health Report, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form from www.AskDrGottMD.com.
