Q. I read again in today's column about the bar of soap cure for leg cramps. I think there is a huge psychological component to these cramps. If the soap cure works, it is just superstition.
Anyone can learn to control leg cramps as I did. The trick is to avoid fighting them. If I simply accept them and tell them to do their worst, I can relax and they go away quickly. They hardly ever occur now that I feel I can control them.
I think the bar of soap offers people the same feeling of control. While I suppose that's good for them, it would be much better if they learned to do it without resorting to folklore.
A. You may be able to ease cramps mentally, but most people find nighttime leg cramps beyond their control. Although there is no science to support soap under the bottom sheet, we now have hundreds of testimonials to support its effectiveness.
We have collected many remedies for cramps and restless legs in our Guide to Leg Pain.
