I'm sure you'll have seen footballers suffering cramp and their physiotherapist giving them stretching treatment. Giving the muscles a good massage helps too. Sometimes quinine is used to prevent leg cramps, particularly those experienced at night. Tonic water contains quinine so this often solves the problem. Anti-inflammatory medicines or creams can relieve the discomfort.
Many people get relief from their painful cramps when using magnet wave therapy.
For night-time leg cramps traditionally a horseshoe magnet would be put in the corner of the bed. For day-time leg cramps the magnet can be worn using a wristband for example. Visit our extensive Ask the Doctor library of all previously asked questions and answers covering a wide range of topics. Full A to Z listing Category listing Keyword Search using the box on the right . The BBC is not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites.