Exercise-associated muscle cramps are common, involuntary spasms and contractions of muscles that usually occur during or following exercise. For over a century, the leading theory on the cause of cramps is the “electrolyte-depletion and dehydration theory”—where electrolytes, such as sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+), and water are lost through sweating. A traditional remedy is pickle juice, which in small amounts, is claimed to reduce cramps within 30 seconds.  A Big Dill? The secret supposedly lies in the...

I was recently reminded of an "old wive's tale" that a bar of soap under the bed sheet can reduce everything from muscle cramps and restless leg syndrome to arthritis. As ridiculous as it sounded to me, I scoured the internet, and was astonished at how many people were claiming this trick works. What Do People Claim? Some say they use a small bar of soap, while others chose a large bar. Some put the soap...