Q. I have suffered terribly over the past few years, with nighttime cramps of my inner thigh muscles. I would move wrong and then end up in excruciating pain for up to an hour, trying to stretch out my legs or walk around the house.
I read about keeping mustard in my bedside drawer. I was extremely skeptical, but I prepared and put a packet of mustard there anyway. Last night I got a cramp and the mustard worked in seconds! I tore open the packet and squeezed the mustard into my mouth, then swallowed. This seems unbelievable, even though I experienced it.
A. We are not sure why yellow mustard works so quickly against muscle cramps. Perhaps the vinegar is responsible, since some people get benefit from drinking a shot of pickle juice. On the other hand, the benefit may be coming from the turmeric that gives yellow mustard its vibrant color. Turmeric contains curcumin, a known anti-inflammatory compound.
All we know is that it often helps, doesn’t hurt and doesn’t cost much. If you would like a few more suggestions on managing leg cramps, check our Guide to Leg Pain.
