Leg Cramps and Magnesium:
The Power of Trace Minerals

Leg cramps are no laughing matter. I found that out the hard way—literally—at 1:40 AM on February 5th, 2024. One massive Charlie Horse in my right calf had me on the floor, passed out, bruised, and bleeding.

What I discovered that night (thanks to my friend Linda Robison) might just help you avoid a similar experience.

A painful reminder that leg cramps aren’t just annoying—they can be dangerous.

The pain was so overwhelming, I blacked out. On my way to the floor I hit the corner of the sink, or the countertop.

Result? Upon crawling back up the calf muscle "leg go," and then I saw and tasted blood. My upper lip was torn in an "L" shape, and a couple of days later, a nasty bruise appeared on my chin - and knees.

What Caused My 1:40 AM Leg Cramp

I was up the rest of the night Googling "leg cramps." It came to light that I was low on magnesium - and highly likely potassium too.

I'm gonna hand this over to Linda now, who kindly provided this important information on leg cramps, and what to do about it.

Linda Robison’s Expert Advice

Have you ever been jolted awake by a sudden, excruciating leg cramp? It's a sensation that can send even the toughest among us reeling in pain. But fear not, because there are simple yet powerful solutions to ease the agony and keep those cramps at bay.

As a former anti-aging health advisor with the Life Extension Foundation, I can share some insights into combating leg cramps and enhancing overall health. Here's the lowdown:

Why Magnesium Matters for Muscle Health

Magnesium is a true hero when it comes to muscle cramps. Unfortunately, many of us are deficient in this essential mineral. Taking magnesium supplements, particularly before bed, can help prevent those painful nighttime cramps.

Don’t Overlook Potassium for Cramps

Potassium often flies under the radar, but its benefits are immense. Like magnesium, potassium supplements can help alleviate muscle cramps and contribute to better sleep quality.

You don’t need much of this mineral. For most people with cramping issues, a single 99-milligram tablet taken before bed usually does the trick.

Try Magnesium Gel for Instant Relief

For those seeking immediate relief, magnesium sports gel is a game-changer. Simply massage it onto your legs, and feel the tension melt away.

With high absorption and less sting than magnesium oil, it's a must-have for anyone prone to muscle cramps.

Stay Hydrated to Prevent Cramps

Dehydration can exacerbate cramps, so staying adequately hydrated is crucial. Trace mineral drops offer a convenient solution, replenishing electrolytes and keeping your body in balance.

Just a few drops in a glass of water can make a world of difference.

Minerals Help Your Muscles—and Your Skin

As a Certified Facial Fitness Specialist, I can’t pass over the importance of minerals and electrolytes for healthy skin too.

A deficiency of minerals, electrolytes, and dehydration can not only cause muscle cramps but can take a toll on your complexion. Dehydration and vitamin/mineral deficiencies can make your face look sallow, sunken, and saggy.

Eating a diet low in sugar and simple carbs and high in fruits and vegetables is an easy way to help maintain radiant, youthful skin.

Many women will spend hundreds of dollars on skincare creams or in-office treatments. But think nothing of throwing back a couple of glasses of wine or a few caramel macchiatos daily.

Not realizing that this overindulgence can have adverse effects on your skin's hydration levels, deplete mineral stores, and accelerate aging through glycation.

Simple sugars can accelerate the aging process of the skin through a phenomenon known as glycation.

How Diet and Sugar Impact Cramps and Skin

Consuming refined sugars and carbohydrates leads to a process where sugar molecules attach to proteins in the skin, forming harmful molecules called advanced glycation end products (AGEs).

These AGEs can damage collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for keeping skin firm and elastic, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and overall premature aging.

So, while enjoying the occasional sweet treat or a glass of wine is fine, it's essential to be mindful of our sugar intake for the sake of our skin's health and overall well-being.

Opting for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can help keep sugar consumption in check and support radiant, youthful skin. Not to mention that it may help keep muscle cramps at bay too! 😊

These simple yet powerful tips work better than any skincare product or cream. Anti-Aging Foods for Skin: Can You Slow Aging Skin with a Simple Diet?

How Glycation Impacts Skin and Muscles

Persistent or severe leg cramps could signal a more serious underlying issue, such as peripheral artery disease (PAD). If home remedies don't provide relief, don't hesitate to contact your doctor for a thorough evaluation.

Read all about Linda Robison,

owner of AntiAgingBeautyZone.com

About Anti-Aging Beauty Zone and Linda Robison

Susan’s Favorite Products for Relief

BACK TO SUSAN: It's been a month now; I had many sleepless nights since February 5th, wondering if I was going to get nasty leg cramps again. Here I am, though, on June 21, 2025 and consider myself lucky to NOT have had a single cramping episode since!

I got a bottle of the Magnesium Gel that Linda recommended and rub it gently onto my calves. Just a drop does it. Then I use a baby wipe to wipe if off my calves 20 minutes later. (It feels a little greasy, so you don't want to leave calf prints on the bottom of your sofa, or grease up the bed sheets, argh!)

Ailaka Toeless Compression Socks, front view

I also got a pair of Ailaka brand zippered compression socks off Amazon, along with a bottle of B12 (great for nerves) and between them and Linda's advice, I've been "fine."

Ailaka Toeless Compression Socks, side view

What I love about these socks is the ability to put them on easily (and take 'em off) due to the zipper.

Alika Compression Socks Zipper Pull

The pull on the zipper has a little fabric pull that makes it easy to use instead of trying to hold onto the small tab of the zipper. They are very comfortable, not slack, and not too tight. Folks can't tell I'm wearing them!

I opted for "open toe" because reviews of other socks with closed toes said their toes felt tightly packed in their shoes with all the toe material bunching up.

They also have a nice "thick/wide" band at the top and stay up all the time.

For the record, I ordered two pairs (to save money!) in size Medium. I'm a little over five feet tall.

Frequently Asked Questions About Leg Cramps

Thanks for reading my story—and a big shoutout to Linda Robison for her guidance. Whether you’re dealing with frequent cramps or just the occasional painful jolt, these natural remedies and lifestyle tips can help.

Magnesium gel, potassium tabs, compression socks, and a mindful diet made a world of difference for me. Give them a try—and may your legs stay cramp-free and comfy!