Our Favorite Leg Cramp Medicines Fully Tested & Reviewed
If you are tired of dealing with painful leg cramps and unwanted issues that can arise as runners and athletes, make sure you to get one of the cramp medicines on our list—because they actually work and get the job done!
The leg cramp medicine on our list all provide you with fast relief and help you both treat and prevent cramps from happening in the first place. We have carefully chosen and reviewed all of our selections below, so check them all out.
Enjoy!
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Potency
Not all leg cramp medications are the same, so make sure to check out the potency of the ingredients in the ingredient list to make sure it is not too much or too little for you!
We evaluated our top ten picks by looking at the included ingredients, whether reviewers felt the medication worked well, whether there was any odor associated with the medication and how long the medication lasted. It is important to think about all of the important aspects of potency and ingredient inclusion.
When you put anything into your body, you are going to want to make sure you are making smart choices and are not ingesting products that can harm you in some way. We carefully considered the ingredients used in each product on this list as well as the potency and strength of each product.
When you want relief from your leg cramps you want the best product available and that is what we sought to include on our top ten list when we chose these potent and effective products. Most of the options we looked at included ingredients that were well known to relieve muscle cramping (magnesium, for instance, is a popular anti-cramp ingredient).
Some of the medications were created with organic substances and were free of any kind of additives or parabens. It is important to think about all of the important aspects of potency and ingredient inclusion. But, more importantly, make sure the medication will work for you and no cause any unwanted side effects.
Effectiveness
Before you buy, make sure to take a look at how effective the cramp medication is before you purchase any of the selections on our list of reviews.
There is little point in buying a product or taking pills that are not effective – it is just a waste of money. So, we took this very seriously and wanted to make sure that every product we included is effective and does what it is supposed to do fully and safely. Leg cramp medication needs to be effective and it needs to do a good job when you are in pain and need relief sooner rather than later.
We know you want to spend your money on quality products and that you do not want to waste your time with products that are not effective so we made sure this focus was front and center as we selected the products for this guide. Of course, the main concern for individuals wanting to purchase and take this kind of product is whether it works.
We looked at thousands of reviewer comments and chose the products that received the most positive reviews. Numerous happy customers raved about the beneficial effects of taking each of our picks for leg cramp medication. At the end of the day, however, just make sure you invest in a medication that works for you all around.
Use
We made sure to include all types of medication on our list--so that there is something out there for everyone, topical and oral.
It is important to think about how you are going to use pain relief and what you need to do to get the most out of it. The way you use leg cramp medication is fairly basic and uniform- the majority of them are pills that can be taken before the cramping started to help reduce the likelihood of cramps setting in or pills that can be taken during a flare-up to help reduce the severity of the cramping.
Many people use this medication in two main ways- as a preventative measure or as a treatment for symptoms. Here at RunnerClick, we know you are looking for products that are designed for your use and needs and we strove to supply the best leg cap medications available to you here in this listing.
While most come in pill format, the odor can still be a problem because of the commonly used ingredients. You’ll notice some of the options on our list do have a reported bad smell. Products with a pungent smell were still used by reviewers because of their effectiveness. If you are sensitive to smells, consider choosing a product that is truly odorless so that you can use it to its fullest capacity.
Durability
When we took a look at the durability we considered the shelf life of the product to make sure we were offering products that were designed to last.
It is important to think about how durable your pain meds are what their shelf life is like. One may not usually think about durability when it comes to medications but it is still applicable here. The shelf life of your medication is important because if you do not use it soon enough and end up taking old expired medication it can have a negative and adverse effect on your health.
There are two main ways medications ‘go bad’- they lose their potency or the potency can increase in some medications. This means you may not be getting enough medication to deal with your symptoms or you may be overdosing when you take the normal amount! And that is never a good thing so it is important to read labels and check expiration dates carefully on all medications.
How many pills come in one bottle? Is it enough to last one person at least a month? Most products on the list come with at least 100 capsules but quite a few require users to ingest at least 2 capsules to make one dose. You’ll notice a few options are a better value than others on this list.
While each leg cramp medication was well-reviewed by users, not all of them will last the same amount of time on the medicine cabinet shelf. At the end of the day, you need to make sure you get something that actually works for you. Leg cramp medication on our list offers a lot of different use options to choose from!
Value
In order to determine the value of this type of product, it’s important to look at the amount of medication in each bottle or tube. However, this is not the only factor that contributes to a product being of great value. The true value of a product is in more than just the price tag. The cheapest medication you can get is of no value if it does not relieve your symptoms.
The most expensive medication is worth its weight in gold if it provides relief and does what you wanted and needed it to do! We made sure to look closely at consumer reviews and feedback in order to find the leg cramp medication that works best and that is worth your investment.
Consider your pricing limits, but if you are able to spend a little more to get a high-quality product, then invest now a enjoy the benefits for a long time to come! Take a look at the dosage information. Do you need to take more than one pill for effective relief? How long will a bottle last also depends on how often you need to take the pills.
If you’re taking them on a daily basis, it’s worth considering a trip to your doctor’s office. Otherwise, a bottle should last at the very least one month. Effectiveness and shelf life play a part in determining the overall value of this type of product. More importantly, just make sure you can afford that medication you get so you can get it consistently as needed.
Top 10 Picks
1. Dee Cee Labs Formula 303
Formula 303 is a muscle relaxant in tablet form that comes with a total of 250 pills and features a natural formulation. It works well for those under a lot of stress or those with sleep issues related to restlessness and muscle cramping. Keep in mind that they are tablets, so if you have difficulty swallowing you may want to make sure you can handle this one.
Read morePotency
On their own, the included ingredients might not be super effective but blended together they work well to relax muscles. Ingredients include Magnesium, Valerian root, among others. Reviewers liked that they recognized the ingredients and that they were natural.
Effectiveness
This formula is taken in the form of a pill. Reviewers found the Dee Cee Labs tablets to work well for reducing stiffness and overall stress. Users who tried the tablets felt more relaxed and were able to sleep easier. Some users found the pills effective for pain relief, as well. Users with painful nighttime leg cramps found this formula worked exceptionally well and helped them get better sleep.
Use
Some users complained of a bad smell emanating from the pills. They do have a strong odor so it might wise to block your nose when downing thee tablets. Users also mentioned that the pills leave a bad taste in the mouth when taken. The strong smell is not indicative of a bad pill bottle; it's perfectly normal, though unpleasant.
Durability
The bottle comes with 250 pills, plenty to last several months. Of course, this depends entirely on how often you decide to take the tablets. If you are using them daily, they will obviously not last as long.
Value
This leg cramp medication is a little on the pricey side--so make sure you can ensure that you can afford it over time because you will need to make sure you can purchase them as needed--especially if you often deal with leg cramps.
2. Theraworx Relief Foam
Not interested in swallowing tablets or slathering on ointment to get rid of your painful cramps? Use a foam instead. This formula is easy to apply, won’t need to be washed off your hands, and helps to relieve cramping pain quickly. Comes in a 7.1 oz bottle. It’s also useful for reducing muscle soreness and tension.
Read morePotency
Active ingredients include magnesium, vitamin E, aloe, and more. Users noted that the main active ingredient of magnesium is found in many other cramp relief products. If you’re already taking a tablet with this ingredient, using this spray isn’t going to increase pain relief.
Effectiveness
The bottle should be sprayed multiple times to cover the affected area for effective relief. Users should then massage the formula into the skin for best results and re-apply once again, repeating the process. The suggested daily application is twice per day.
Use
Reviewers liked the faint smell of the spray and found that the scent disappears quickly once the formula was absorbed into the skin. The spray doesn’t leave a sticky film on the skin, either.
Durability
Users liked the formula but did mention that they would have liked the effects to last longer. It’s not a permanent solution. An application requires several pumps of the bottle to provide relief, so the 7.1 oz bottle doesn’t last as long as some would have liked.
Value
As far as value goes, you will love this one because it is not too pricey and it offers a ton of additional features and is much easier to use than the oral supplements you could take instead.
3. Caleb Treeze Organic Farm
Don't be fooled by the packaging. This isn't a leg cream or lotion. The Caleb Treeze Organic formula is meant to be ingested to relieve muscle cramps, spasms, and tension quickly. Formulated from an Amish concoction, this substance works fast to keep your moments of discomfort to a minimum. Includes all-natural ingredients.
Read morePotency
The three main ingredients are all-natural, easily recognizable, and effective. Unfortunately, the included garlic, ginger, and apple cider do taste pretty strong. You will probably want to mix this stuff with some juice or simply block your nose and get it over with quickly! Reviewers liked that the ingredients were things you might have in the pantry at home and felt good knowing they were ingesting natural components.
Effectiveness
This stuff works fast once ingested. Expect relief within about 2 minutes or less. Relief from cramping should last over 24 hours, too, so you can rest easy. Reviewers agreed that the Caleb Treeze formula worked great for leg cramps and liked that it was fast-acting. Just take a capful, drink it down on its own or mixed into another beverage (juice is probably your best bet) and wait until your cramps disappear.
Use
The pungent ingredients might taste pretty bad, but the odor isn't that terrible. If you're sensitive to smells, this might be a good thing. But, overall, this product is really easy to use so you don't have to worry about any difficulties with this one.
Durability
Reviewers liked that the Caleb Treeze Organic formula lasted a long time. It's best kept in the refrigerator but doesn't need to be kept cold. You only need one swig of the cap, so there's enough in that bottle to last an extended period of time.
Value
This is by far one of the more affordable options on our list. It comes at a great price and is perfect for those of you on a budget looking for an effective and useful leg cramp medication.
4. Hyland’s (Tablets)
These Hyland’s tablets are meant to provide relief from cramps in the body, particularly calf and foot cramps. Those who experience uncomfortable cramps during the wee hours of the night will find relief with Hyland’s products. They work quickly to get rid of cramps so you can go back to sleep and get a good night’s rest.
Read morePotency
These don’t contain any kind of sleep medication, so you can take them at any time of day to relieve cramps. The main active ingredient is Quinine, which some users had qualms about using. If you’re unsure about whether taking this type of product is right for you, speak to your general practitioner.
Effectiveness
Some users weren’t sure if the pills actually worked to stop the cramps or if it was just a chance coincidence that the cramping they experience stopped immediately upon ingesting a tablet. Many users were happy with the results but were worried about the possible long-term effects of using a product with Quinine as the active ingredient.
Use
Users who found the tablets useful were comfortable using them only in the case of emergency and not as a daily preventative because of the active ingredient, which they did agree was effective. The tablets do not have a smell and are easy to ingest.
Durability
A pill bottle contains 100 tablets, and since most users used the pills only when required, the tablets should last quite a while. So, you won't have to worry about having to buy any more to soon after you get your initial purchase.
Value
When it comes to the overall value if this leg cramp medication, you will love how affordable and effective this product is. Not only is it effective at treating your symptoms but is also really affordable.
5. Cramp Defense with TRUEMAG
Cramp Defense is unique because it contains Truemag, an organic form of magnesium which is highly absorbed, and does not cause digestive upset when used as directed. This means it works for your cramps fast, and permanently; and it gets more effective with time.
Read morePotency
The active ingredient in this product is called "Truemag", a proprietary formulation of magnesium fully bound to malate. This "fully reacted" form of magnesium is naturally found in fruits and vegetables. Truemag delivers the highest quality, purest form of magnesium -- with none of the residual inorganic forms of magnesium, such as oxides and hydroxides, which cause digestive upset.
Effectiveness
Most reviewers saw substantial results from this product. By fixing their magnesium deficiency, some have become totally free of their leg cramps; others have seen a significant decrease in the pain and/or frequency of their symptoms. This could mean that the pain is cut in half, or they only get cramps once a week instead of every night. Some people did do not see results, even after increasing their dose and taking it for more than a month.
Use
Start with one capsule per day (the goal is to use the smallest effective dose possible). Many people get results from 1 to 2 capsules a day. However, some people need more, depending on your weight, diet, lifestyle.
Durability
Although everyone responds differently, many people saw results with their first dose. The manufacturer recommends trying it for 2 weeks to give it a full chance of working. If you don't like to swallow capsules, you can open them up and mix the powder with a food like applesauce or yogurt.
Value
These capsules seem to be odorless, as there were no user complaints about odor. The bottle comes with 180 capsules, can last up to 6 months is taking one cap per day. However, this leg cramp medication is on the pricey side, so make sure you can afford it if you decide you want to get this medication.
6. MgSport Magnesium
These MgSport capsules contain a blend of Magnesium and other vitamins to help fight cramping. The capsule is fine for vegetarians to ingest and is a great formula for athletes or those who are active on a daily basis and experiencing painful cramps. So, if you don't mind taking a capsule and have no swallowing issues you won't mind using this product.
Read morePotency
The capsules contain 380mg of Magnesium that’s easily absorbed by the body. The tablets also include a variety of other supplements including B6, Vitamin E, and Vitamin D. This blend of vitamins encourages better absorption of the Magnesium. The company claims that ingesting this Magnesium capsule is good for preventing leg cramps and promoting heart health. Reviewers liked that the capsules contained clearly outlined ingredients.
Effectiveness
Users are instructed to ingest a single capsule before bed to help prevent painful cramping during the night. Most reviewers found these capsules worked very well. They were mainly helpful for leg cramps that occurred during sleep. Taken before bed, users found they were not awoken during the night with leg cramp pain. Users also seemed to tolerate the pills just fine.
Use
The pills and included bottle do not have a strong pungent smell, which reviewers greatly appreciated. Other Magnesium supplements do have a very strong scent, so many users found these a lot more pleasant to take on a regular basis.
Durability
The bottle comes in two formats, 60 capsules or 100 capsules. Users agreed that when taken at bedtime the capsule seemed to work well through the night to prevent unwanted cramping. If taken on a regular basis and once per night as recommended, these should last a little over three
Value
When it comes to value, you will find this one falls right in the middle--so it isn't too expensive but it also isn't really affordable. However, it is really effective and actually gets the job done.
7. Hyland’s (Ointment)
Another Hyland’s brand option to relieve leg cramps but this time in another format. This ointment is a good alternative for users who don’t like to swallow pills. It’s easy to apply and comes in an easily portable 2.5 oz container. And, if you want to use the other Hyland medication in combination with this topical option, you definitely can.
Read morePotency
The ointment doesn’t have any NSAIDs, so it’s a good choice for those allergic to aspirin. Always check with your doctor first, though, if you’re unsure about using a medicinal product. The formula doesn’t contain any nasty parabens or pungent fragrances. The active ingredients include Arnica, Aconitum Napellus, and Magnesium, among others.
Effectiveness
The cream is meant to be applied to the skin of the affected area. When applied, the cream emits a warming sensation to help reduce pain while cramping subsides. Reviewers were pleased with how quickly the ointment worked once applied to the area that was cramping. Some users still prefer the tablet format, though, as they found applying cream was a bit too messy.
Use
Reviewers complained of a pungent odor that took some time to fade away once applied. The smell is minty and very strong, say reviewers. For some, the smell wasn’t a bother, however.
Durability
The tube is fairly small at 2.5 oz, and the directions do advise to apply liberally. For those with frequent cramping, the tube may not last that long.
Value
This leg cramp medication is available at a great price and is one of the more affordable options on our list--so if you are on a budget you will definitely want to check this one out.
8. Lyte Fuel
Another electrolyte formula that contains magnesium as its main active ingredient. A good choice for athletes who sweat a lot of salt and have trouble replenishing their electrolytes post-workout. Helps to reduce cramping after a long or intense sweat session.
Read morePotency
Includes various necessary electrolytes including magnesium, chromium, zinc, copper, sodium, potassium, etc. The pills do not contain any harmful additives or artificial flavoring. Reviewers appreciated the high-quality ingredients and liked the inclusion of a variety of electrolytes not often seen in other cramp-relief products.
Effectiveness
Overall, reviewers seemed happy with the effectiveness of these Lyte Fuel pills. Those who experienced frequent post-workout cramping found the pills were effective in stopping cramping of the lower extremities.
Use
Reviewers had no complaints about bad smells emanating from their pill bottles, so rest assured you can take these capsules with you to the gym or wherever without people giving you the side-eye.
Durability
One bottle contains 100 capsules. This formula is meant to be used by athletes who experience muscle cramping due to lost electrolytes. If you’re not working out every day, 100 tablets should last a decent amount of time. Dosage is 1 or 2 tablets before exercise.
Value
This product is available at an average price--so, some of you might find this one to be a little pricey when you compare it to the more affordable list of reviews.
9. WonderLabs Valerin
This natural muscle relaxant contains 340 tablets. In addition to commonly included magnesium, this formulation also includes Valerian and Passion Flower. A good choice for those under a lot of stress or athletes who need to relieve muscle tension quickly.
Read morePotency
Users appreciated the natural ingredients included in this muscle relaxant and favored it as an alternative to prescribed drugs. The formula does contain Valerian, so users should be careful to check with their doctor before using. Anyone with liver issues should be wary of using this product and do their research before purchasing and ingesting the tablets.
Effectiveness
Most reviewers found the WonderLabs tablets effective for relieving muscle tension. Some users complained of experiencing unwanted drowsiness after ingesting these tablets, however.
Use
The pills have a strong smell because of the included Valerian, which users weren’t too fond of. Some users had trouble swallowing the pills because of the pungent smell.
Durability
Reviewers seemed happy with how long the pills lasted and were pleased with the lasting effects of the pills.
Value
When it comes to the value of the product, we found this is definitely one of the pricier options on our list of reviews--but it is definitely worth the price if you are looking for some serious relief.
10. Genexa
A medicine in pill format that provides relief for all lower extremity cramps. The Genexa tablets feature an organic formulation and are regulated by the FDA. The tablets also taste good, so they’re easy to ingest. So, if you are looking for something that is easy to use and tastes great, you will love this option.
Read morePotency
Ingredients included in the Genexa tablets are certified Organic, and the tablets do not contain GMOs.
Effectiveness
The pills are chewable and feature yummy flavoring, so it’s not a chore to take them when a cramp strikes. Reviewers liked the taste of the tablets, and the majority felt they worked as advertised for relieving leg cramps. Reviewers who had luck with the product also found that the pills worked quickly to get rid of cramping.
Use
The tablets do not have an unpleasant odor, but they are flavored so that they are easier to chew and swallow. Users were pleased with the grape-like taste of the Genexa tablets.
Durability
Each container comes with 100 tablets. Users are directed to take two chewable tablets as a dose, which means these may not last as long as other options.
Value
In terms of value, this is one of the more affordable selection--although it is definitely not the cheapest. The best part is that it gets the job done at the end of the day.
Sources
- , Here's Why Your Legs Always Cramp At Night—And How To Make The Pain Go Away, Online Magazine Website
- , Leg cramps, Health Website
- , Causes and treatment for leg cramps, Medical News Website
- , Nocturnal Leg Cramps, Journal Article
