Considered an old wives tale, many believe this remedy works.
If you experience leg cramps or RLS, speak with your healthcare provider for treatment options.
Verywell / Laura Porter
Will a Bar of Soap Ease Leg Cramps and RLS?
Magnesium and lavender are popular additions to sleep aids.
Many soaps contain mineralsspecifically magnesiumwhich is traditionally believed to help with muscle relaxation.
People swear by placing one bar of unwrapped soap on each side of the foot of the bed.
How Soap Is Used
Some say you should place soap at the foot of the bed.
Others say it must be close to the location of the cramps.
Under the sheet and inside a sock are two other suggestions.
It isn’t clear how soap in such different locations could have the same effect on the legs.
It’s important to note that the lavender oil was massaged into the skin, not placed nearby.
There is no medical evidence to suggest that bar soap can alleviate either restless legs or leg cramps.
Causes of Restless Legs Syndrome and Cramps
Leg cramps and RLS have different causes and risk factors.
What Causes RLS?
The cause of RLS is unknown.
Often, RLS can develop without any risk factors.
Sometimes RLS occurs with other neurological disorders.
It has been linked to a condition calledperipheral neuropathy, which is damage to the nerves throughout your body.
It’s also associated withmultiple sclerosisandParkinsons disease.
RLS can also be a problem during pregnancy.
What Causes Leg Cramps?
Leg cramps have different causes, and they can increase as you get older.
Leg cramps can happen if you are low on electrolytes like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Electrolytes are minerals that are needed for various body functions, particularly nerve and muscle functions.
In general, severe electrolyte imbalances are rare and can cause life-threatening complications, like heart rhythm abnormalities.
However, mildelectrolyte imbalancesare more common and can affect anyone.
However, several additionaltreatment optionsare available to help you find relief.
If either is the underlying cause, drinking water or electrolyte-infused beverages can often help.
Warming up before exercising can be preventative as well.
Magnesium supplements are often marketed as muscle cramp relievers.
However, they have not been definitively proven to alleviate leg cramps.
Currently, there are no medications specifically known totreat leg cramps.
RLS and leg cramps can cause symptoms that affect sleep and daily life.
There is no scientific evidence to support this home remedy.
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