There’s a cartoon from The Far Side that shows a snake lying in bed. He has a big knot in the middle of his body, and he’s shouting out in pain, “Charley horse!” It’s funny, but if you’ve ever had a searing leg cramp wake you up in the middle of the night, you know how that snake feels! Here are two ways to make the pain disappear…

Silverware cramp remover: Some people wake up in the middle of the night with leg cramps. Others get them after exercising. In either case, place a piece of silverware—a spoon is safest—right on the cramp. The pain should dissipate in seconds. The spoon does not have to be sterling—stainless steel will do the trick.

Pinch away the pain: If you forgot to put a spoon on your nightstand, and a charley horse hits, pinch your philtrum—the skin dent between your nose and upper lip. Keep pinching firmly until the cramp is gone. It usually takes just a few seconds.

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