Many years ago, your column about lysine solved my problem with mouth sores. Now I would like to return the favor. June Jordan, in the September/October 2008 issue, wrote about her hands cramping. There is a simple solution: I was having leg cramps at night, and a friend told me about putting a bar of soap between the sheets where my legs rest. Lo and behold, the cramps disappeared within two or three minutes.

Last night, I awoke with my right fingers curling up in a cramp. I tried the “soap treatment” and went back to sleep. In the morning, my fingers were uncurled and pain-free. My pharmacist was unable to tell me what ingredient in soap would stop muscle cramps. Might you be able to solve the mystery? Your comments would be greatly appreciated—your column is invaluable to me.

Josy

Dr. Dr. SerVaas,

In response to the lady who has hand cramps when taking calcium. I too get severe muscle cramps in my legs when I take calcium supplements. I haven’t found an answer other than to not take calcium supplements and get my calcium from food sources. I just wanted Ms. Jordan to know she isn’t alone.

S.

We may never know why soap may help relieve muscle cramps. Should we ever experience the problem, however, we will probably give it a try. Loyal Post readers like you are among our best sources of remedies that may work.

Lysine is an inexpensive and safe amino acid. To treat mouth sores caused by the herpes simplex virus, the late Dr. Richard Griffith recommended a daily lysine dose of 500 milligrams per 22 pounds of body weight. Lesser amounts help avoid outbreaks. Lysine supplements are not known to interact with medications.

For more about lysine, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Lysine, 1100 Waterway Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46202

Send your letters to Medical Mailbox, 1100 Waterway Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46202 or e-mail: medicalmailbox@satevepost.org.

Please include your mailing address. Medical Mailbox and From the Pharmacy supplements the advice of your health care provider, whom you should consult for personal medical problems.

The Benefits of Lysine The Saturday Evening Post

I have a comparable problem to Jane (Sept./Oct. 2008 edition). I had severe muscle cramps in my hands and, after some investigation, thought I might be deficient in the mineral potassium. I found a list of high-potassium veggies and started eating one yam daily. Since that time, no cramps. I eat bananas, too. She might also try putting her hands in hot (not burning) water for 10 to 15 minutes. Good luck, Jane.

Dear Dr. SerVaas,

This is my answer to the woman who was having the problem with cramps. My physical therapist recommended drinking tonic water. It works for me. Of course it is the quinine in the water that is the cure. My doctor gave me a prescription for quinine. But not every pharmacy stocks it, and I find the water is better for my budget.

Readers may send their letters to Medical Mailbox, 1100 Waterway Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46202. Please include mailing address. Via email: medicalmailbox@satevepost.org.

Medical Mailbox supplements the advice of your healthcare provider, whom you should consult for personal medical problems.

Reader Remedies for Hand Cramps The Saturday Evening Post