The Best Remedy For Leg Cramps [6 Products Proven To Work]
I’m sure you will agree when I say that leg cramp is both inconvenient, painful and downright annoying!
But with so many products out there claiming to be the best remedy for leg cramps it is difficult to reliably know exactly what is good for leg cramps, and what will work best for you?
Here at curemycramp.com we decided to review 6 of the most popular products which work as a treatment for leg cramps, in order to leave you better informed when deciding what the best remedy for leg cramps is for you.
When choosing a remedy it is important not to just buy the first product you find with good reviews. Instead firstly recognise how and when cramps affect you. For example:
- Does the cramp appear suddenly and without warning?
- Is it something that appears after strenuous exercise?
- Maybe it just affects you at night?
This will be the first step which helps you decide what works for leg cramps for you personally. This article covers a range of products which act in different ways as a remedy for leg cramps depending on the cause.
Hopefully this article will leave you better informed when deciding what to take for leg cramps. To further make this easier for you we have divided the products we have tested into the following categories:
Best Magnesium Supplement (PregnaMag Review)
Best For Instant Cramp Relief (Pickle Juice Extra Strength Shots Review)
Best For Exercise Related Cramp (Ancient Minerals Magnesium Oil Review)
Best Natural Cramp Supplement (Cramp Defense Review)
Best For Leg Cramps At Night (Hylands Leg Cramps Review)
Best For Severe Leg Cramps (Air Relax Review)
Before we get started though have you considered whether there may be an underlying cause that you haven’t considered? With these in mind however, lets take a look at the best remedy for leg cramps for you!
Best Magnesium Supplement – PregnaMag Magnesium Glycinate
A good magnesium supplement is a must for anybody experiencing muscle cramp.
But with many different types of magnesium available, and at many different doses, it can be difficult to know which is best to take.
You may even be concerned about what is in the supplement you are taking?
And finally how well will your body tolerate these supplements?
PregnaMag aims to remedy all these concerns with their magnesium glycinate supplement.
Features:
Contains an easily absorbed, & well tolerated form of magnesium.
Recommended dose meets most people’s daily requirements
No nasty additives or fillers.
Nice price
Who It’s For?
PregnaMag is for anyone looking to reduce, and even stop their muscle cramp.
Suitable for anyone from a sportsperson, to a pregnant mother.
Just ensure to consult a health professional first if you are pregnant (or a nursing mother), under the age of 18, or have a known medical condition.
Pricing & Purchase
Although the price of this product can vary, it is generally very competitively priced.
You will usually find it priced cheaper than other similar oral magnesium supplements on the market today.
For the latest price, please click here.
Pros
PregnaMag contains a highly absorbable form of magnesium (glycinate/bisglycinate), which studies show help reduce muscle cramp.
One study demonstrated that magnesium glycinate helped participants reduce their leg cramp in terms of intensity and frequency by 50%! With 86% of participants reporting this positive reduction.
There are no nasty filler ingredients here. Containing just magnesium, cellulose, rice flour, and silicone dioxide, rest assured you are putting nothing harmful into your body.
The dosage is straightforward here. Take one capsule if feel you are getting a decent amount of magnesium in your diet. Take two if you feel you are getting frequent cramp episodes, and feel your diet may be lacking.
This supplement is also vegan and vegetarian friendly.
Disadvantages
This type of magnesium is generally considered very safe.
However, you can expect side effects of nausea and stomach cramp if you don’t follow the recommended dosage, and consistently take high doses of this.
Final Opinion
A great all round supplement in the fight against muscle cramp.
Safe, easily adsorbed, and proven to work.
PregnaMag offers a convenient way to reduce and prevent muscle cramps, and at a nice price too.
Best For Instant Cramp Relief – Pickle Juice Extra Strength Shots by The Pickle Juice Company
Unfortunately all the best planning in the world cannot prepare for a condition as unpredictable as cramp. So it can be useful to have something close to hand for those episodes of sudden cramping.
This is where Pickle Juice Extra Strength Shots by The Pickle Juice Company comes in handy. You may not have heard of using pickle juice for leg cramps but it is increasingly becoming a popular way to relieve cramps quickly.
This is a pickle juice sports drink made from all natural ingredients (Dual Filtered Water, Vinegar, Salt, Natural Dill Flavor, Potassium, Zinc, Vitamin C, Vitamin E) and comes in a handy 2.5 fl oz (75 mL) bottle.
With some products made from natural ingredients it can be difficult to prove the claims made by the manufacturer. However on the Pickle Juice website they refer to a study which suggests that this product may stop cramping within an impressive 85 seconds, which is 37 percent faster than water. This product works by replenishing the body’s sodium levels, as low sodium has been linked to cramping.
Features:
Reported to stop cramps in as little as 85 seconds.
Contains over 20 times the electrolytes as most sports drinks.
Made from all natural ingredients and contains no artificial flavors or preservatives.
Caffeine free, sugar free and gluten free.
Zero Carbs, Calories, or Sugar.
Who It’s For
Although the makers target this product at athletes it would suit anyone who experiences sudden cramp and requires instant relief. This product is especially useful for those who require something they can carry around with them.
The 75ml bottle is easy to carry for when you require instant relief from cramp on the move.
Pricing & Purchase
At time of writing a pack of 12 can be picked up for less than $20, however bigger discounts are available for bigger pack sizes. For the latest pack sizes and prices please click here.
Pros
For me, the fact that this could stop a cramp in just over a minute is worth the purchase alone. Plus this is made from all natural ingredients, so you can be assured of no nasty side effects.
Also it is so convenient to have a product which fits so easily in your bag or glove box. Finally it is reassuring to know there is research behind the effectiveness of this product.
Cons
This isn’t just called Pickle Juice as a catchy marketing name, it does actually contain vinegar and dill flavoring. Some people may find this a little hard to stomach, but I personally really enjoy these flavors. It really just comes down to personal preference.
I feel the benefit of having a close to hand, fast acting cramp relief far outweighs any unusual taste. For those trying this for the first time perhaps purchase one of their smaller pack sizes to try.
Alternative Products
Cramp 911 Review Roll-On Lotion – This is a roll-on lotion for cramp relief which is also reported to work in seconds. Although there are lots of positive testimonies for this product it lost out ultimately in this review due to some reports of the bottle leaking.
This makes it less convenient to carry with you than the Pickle Juice Company product. However if using pickle juice for cramps isn’t for you then check this out. For more information on this product click here.
Final Opinion
Pickle juice and leg cramps may sound like an odd combination. However I can’t really fault this product as a fast acting, convenient and natural way to relieve sudden episodes of cramp.
I also think it’s a great looking product and you may be interested to see people’s reactions when they think this is some kind of new sports drink but when they look closer it says ‘pickle juice’ on the side of the bottle.
It’s great that there are different pack sizes that the manufacturer has made available, so if you like the product you can keep the price down by buying in bulk, making it great value also.
The taste won’t be for everyone, but I recommend giving this a shot for an instant remedy for leg cramps.
Best For Exercise Related Cramp – Ancient Minerals Magnesium Oil
We have all experienced exercise related cramp at some point, and it is this form of cramp I personally have struggled with the most.
I would play sport and go to the gym a couple of times a week and I felt constantly like I was either experiencing cramp or recovering from cramp.
This led me to research a product which would help with my cramping, which was usually in my calves and feet. The product I have found to work best is Ancient Minerals Magnesium Oil.
I would never have considered using magnesium for leg cramps before, but I have been using this product for about 3 years now with great results.
As you probably realise by now, the quality of what I am putting into my body is of utmost importance to me.
With this spray you can be assured that you are putting one of the purest natural sources of Magnesium on the planet into your body, as this has been harvested from the Zechstein seabed. This seabed is located 2 miles underground in North West Europe and is untouched by any kind of modern pollution.
I simply spray twice on each calf and rub in before doing any exercise, and I now never experience any cramp during exercise.
The best part about this spray for me however is the next day. Previously I would wake the next day following exercise and experience stiffness and cramp for at least the remainder of that day. Now…nothing! It is like I haven’t even been exercising!
Also don’t let the fact that this is called an oil put you off, it is a water based solution that leaves no oily residue.
Features:
Certified Genuine Zechstein Source – A Pure and Natural Magnesium Source
Highly Concentrated so is long lasting
Quick and Easily Absorbed
Free of Mercury, Lead, Arsenic and Flouride
Who It’s For
For anyone experiencing exercise related cramp. Also anyone who is experiencing a Magnesium deficiency but is unable to tolerate Magnesium which is ingested.
Pricing & Purchase
This typically costs less than $20 for a long lasting 8 oz. bottle, but for the latest price click here.
Pros
Probably the highest quality Magnesium Chloride on the planet. When used regularly this magnesium for leg cramps has the potential to greatly reduce exercise related cramps and aches.
This spray can also reduce aches relating to muscle recovery.
Due to it’s concentration, one bottle of this goes a long way. I use this daily and one bottle lasts me the best part of a year. Once you spray this on to your skin it is absorbed in a couple of minutes, with no trace remaining.
This really is a contender for best magnesium supplement.
Cons
When I first began using this I did notice it made my skin itch initially. However I also noticed if you persevere then this problem becomes less and less until it eventually stops (especially if you continue to use it on the same area of the body).
There will also be some trial and error with the dose you need also, and you can expect sometimes if you have sprayed too much for a white powder to be visible on your skin afterwards. I assume this is excess spray that my skin was unable to absorb. This is not a problem however as it brushes off.
Alternative Products
There are other products available which use magnesium for leg cramps. Prefer to bathe or soak your feet after a workout? Maybe check out the Ancient Minerals Magnesium Bath Flakes. Or if you prefer to shower try the Life Flo Magnesium Body Wash.
Final Opinion
I use and will continue to use this product, as keeping the body’s magnesium levels in check is key to preventing cramp, and this spray provides one of the best sources available on the planet.
I know for certain this product is something what is good for leg cramps as I do have the odd day when I forget to spray before exercising and boy do I feel the difference the next day! Back to the same old aches and cramps which can take me over a day to recover from.
I personally recommend that anyone looking for a remedy for leg cramps which are exercise related should check this out, as I’ve seen great results from using magnesium for leg cramps.
Best Natural Cramp Supplement – Cramp Defense with TRUEMAG® by MgBRIGHT
For me, what goes into my supplements is a big deal. I don’t see the point in taking something which will remedy one problem and leave me with residual problems due to some side effect of a nasty additive.
If you feel the same then Cramp Defense by MgBRIGHT product is for you. With Cramp Defense you can set aside any worries about the ingredients as this contains only an organic and easily absorbed Magnesium complex (Magnesium Malate).
Magnesium deficiency is one of the main causes of cramp, however our bodies typically only adsorb 20-50% of ingested Magnesium.
This product seeks to remedy this problem of magnesium absorption by providing a source of magnesium that the body can absorb in greater amounts. This is done by TRUEMAG® (a Magnesium Malate complex), which is a formula similar to the Magnesium found in fruit and vegetables, which makes for a high-absorbing, non-laxative, and fast acting source of Magnesium.
Magnesium Malate benefits include increased heavy metal detoxification, supports muscle performance, and maintains the body’s energy levels and bone health.
Features:
An easily digested and absorbed form of natural organic Magnesium (Magnesium Malate).
80% customer success rate.
Counters the effect of calcium build up in old age.
Formulated for a non-laxative effect.
Reduces inflammation.
Increases the production of serotonin, GABA and melatonin, which helps you relax and fall asleep.
Who It’s For
This product would be great for someone who is Magnesium deficient as the result of a poor diet. It would also be useful for the elderly person who is experiencing age related cramps.
Also this is great for anyone who is on a clean and natural diet and is concerned about what they put into their body (although be aware the capsule contains Gelatin).
Pricing & Purchase
This product at time of writing is available at 20% off, however for the latest price click here.
Pros
With this product you will receive peace of mind that you are using a supplement that is going to increase your Magnesium levels and reduce your cramps naturally.
It is further reassuring to know you won’t have to worry about any embarrassing laxative effect once used.
You can be assured that this fast acting supplement will restore your Magnesium to normal levels in no time, and help keep them there.
The small capsules are easy to swallow and the manufactures make an impressive claim that 80% of people trying this will get positive results.
Finally, if you are using this on the lowest dose then one container can last up to 6 months, making it a great value remedy for cramps as well.
Cons
The only real downside to this supplement is that there will be some trial and error initially with finding the dose that works for you.
If you find your levels are particularly low then you may find to begin with you are taking up to 6 capsules a day, which will obviously mean you are renewing the product sooner rather than later.
Alternative Products
Hylands Leg Cramp Review – On the face of it this appears to be a similar product to Cramp Defense, a supplement made from natural ingredients which relieves cramp.
However Hylands are honest about the fact that their Homeopathic medicines are not designed for prevention, and are used for symptomatic relief only.
I personally would only want to take a supplement which I knew was tackling the root cause of my cramps, which is why I have chosen Cramp Defense as the best natural supplement for cramp relief. Having said that, the Hylands tablets have received a lot of positive testimonies to date as a supplement what is good for leg cramps, so for more information on them click here.
Final Opinion
A great supplement for tackling one of the root causes of cramps, which gives further peace of mind that you are using a natural organic product as it’s main ingredient (Magnesium Malate).
Also it appears there is an impressive percentage of customers who try this and gain positive results.
I definitely recommend this product as a great natural remedy for leg cramps.
It is ideal for anyone who is looking to tackle the root cause of their cramps, but is concerned about additives and side effects in their supplements.
Also by taking this magnesium supplement you are reaping the full range of Magnesium Malate benefits. A contender for best Magnesium supplement on the market.
Best For Leg Cramps At Night – Leg Cramps PM by Hyland’s
We’ve all been there. You finally get comfortable at night and drift off to sleep after a long day, only to be awoken by painful knots in your legs and feet.
And there is nothing worse than not knowing how long the attack will last for, or if you will get awoken again. So what is good for leg cramps at night?
Hyland’s Leg Cramps PM is one of the few products on the market that specifically targets problems of leg cramp at night.
This is a similar product to the standard Hyland’s Leg Cramp Tablets however this version contains a unique sleep formula to help you fall back asleep.
Features
All natural relief of cramp
Quick dissolving tablets
Non habit forming homoeopathic formula
Who It’s For
Anyone who wakes in the night due to cramping and has trouble getting back to sleep. Also anyone who cannot get to sleep due to leg cramps.
Pricing & Purchase
Prices for this may vary so for the latest price please click here.
Pros
This product promises to relieve cramp in the legs, thighs, calves, feet and toes. It also contains a combination of various herbs to combat sleeplessness, frequent waking, pain and cramping in limbs.
Also this product promises not to leave you groggy the next day as some over the counter sleep aids can.
Cons
You may find that you need to take several tablets in order to see some kind some kind of effect with this.
There are also reports that only a short term effect is experienced from using this supplement, and you may have to take another dose if you wake up in the night. This will obviously vary from person to person.
Alternative Products
Theraworx For Leg Cramps – This fast acting foam is a relatively new product on the market which is increasingly receiving positive reviews for helping with night leg and foot cramp.
This is a fast acting topical cream which works with your own bodily functions and is endorsed by healthcare professionals. For more details click here.
Caleb Treeze Organic Farms Stops Leg & Foot Cramps – This is another all natural product which has a great track record for helping with leg cramps at night. For more details click here.
Final Opinion
A product not only formulated to get rid of cramp, but to get you back to sleep afterwards will be a godsend for some people.
Does it work differently from any other daytime cramp relief? It’s difficult to say, but the overwhelmingly positive reviews this product receives makes it at least worth a try.
And you can be assured of no nasty side effects either due to it’s natural ingredients.
Best For Severe Leg Cramps – Sequential Air Compression Leg Massager by Air Relax
Air compression leg massager devices used to only be available in hospitals to treat severe muscular and circulatory problems.
Today however the price of these devices has dropped significantly, and now anyone can afford one for use at home thanks to companies like Air Relax.
The Air Relax uses an advanced digitally controlled air pressure system to provide dynamic compression to limbs compromised by poor circulation.
When used, this product acts as a means to speed up the body’s lymphatic system (the sewer system of the body) to reduce soreness and fatigue in muscles.
Two sleeves are worn on your legs which are then connected up to a air compression machine. This machine then uses air to continuously massage your legs in different ways.
There are various modes available so you can tailor this equipment to your own needs.
In a nutshell this is a home massage for your legs which also helps you detox!
Features:
Four advanced massage modes.
A visual display shows you what areas of your legs are being massaged.
Has accessories so the Air Relax can for used with legs, arms and waist. Also leg extenders to increase the circumference for larger legs.
Portable and light-weight.
Durable anti-scratch case with built-in handle.
Who It’s For
This equipment will be beneficial for anyone experiencing the following:
- Lymphedema (Leg & Foot Swelling)
- Sport injuries
- Poor blood circulation
- Venous insufficiency
- Knee problems, Tension, Varicose Veins, Water Retention, Cramps, Pain and Soreness
- Other circulatory and peripheral vascular conditions
Pricing & Purchase
This product price varies depending on the accessories you purchase with it, and whether you purchase additional protection cover, however for the latest price please click here.
Pros
An overwhelming amount of Amazon reviewers recommend Air Relax and it is also recommended by Physicians, chiropractors, and professional therapists.
It comes with a 1 year warranty which you can extend up to 3 years. It is quiet when operating and can be used in the comfort of your own home, either in your armchair or in bed.
Cons
This is the most expensive product we have reviewed, however it is cheap compared to many other air compression leg massagers on the market. And the overwhelmingly positive reviews may assure you that these are worth every penny.
There are some minor annoyances, such as each program only lasting 15 mins, so you have to restart the device again after 15 mins. Also there is no battery so you have to plug it in at the wall to use.
The standard leg sleeves that come with the product are somewhat large so this may not be as good for overly short people (who have less than 30 inch inside leg). Also some people may feel conscious about wearing these sleeves as they aren’t the most subtle of things to wear.
Final Opinion
I can’t argue with the convenience of this product. You can literally put your feet up and receive a comprehensive muscle massage at home which may deliver results in as little as 15 minutes.
Similar machines on the market can retail for up to $2000, and this is available currently for less than a quarter of that price, making it great value also.
If you are looking for instant relief of pain and discomfort from an array of health conditions, or are simply looking for something which will aid muscle recovery and reduce relapses of cramp then give this a shot.
Overall a great alternative remedy for leg cramps, and for a more in depth look at this unit check out our full Air Relax review here.
Summary – Thank you for taking time out to read my article. I hope this will leave you better in formed when deciding what is the best remedy for leg cramps for you. Finally, I’d love to hear your comments below!
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Disclaimer: All information on this site is for information only, and not intended to replace the advice of a qualified medical professional. curemycramp.com and any writers associated with this website accept no responsibility for circumstances arising from the use of information on this site, without consulting a registered health professional first.
Is pickle juice the fastest natural way to relieve cramp?
Strictly speaking yes. Mustard could also be considered a fast acting natural means of relieving cramp, however some brands can contain additives.