I would like as much information on the bar of soap in the bed and the leg pain question. I need more info.?

Question

I heard that if you put a bar of soap in the bed it's suppose to help with leg pain. My father has Parkinsons and artheritis. Nothing seems to help and I can't and don't want to use meds because of the Parkinsons. Does it work, if so why. What kind of soap? Where do you put it, by the feet, by the legs, left-side or right-side? Over or under the sheet. One bar or more? Wrapped or unwrapped?

Answer 1

Interesting Q. I've never heard of this before so I did a quick search. Here's what I found:

seems to work for leg cramps, wrapped or unwrapped, any brand will do
http://www.snopes.com/oldwives/legcramp.asp
http://www.healthdiaries.com/blogs/parentsfault/archives/2006/01/soap_for_leg_cramps.html
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/home_remedies/soap_under_the_sheets_for_rls_leg_cramps.asp

and there are numerous other pages touting the benefits of this strange alternative remedy

Answer 2

I had heard that the bar of soap is for leg cramps,not pain but it doesn't hurt to give it a try. My mother and grandmothers do it. They take a bar of soap wrapped and put it under the covers at their feet. I think they use Caress or Dove but I don't think it matters. I was also told you could use one of those small hotel sample soaps and put it unwrapped in your sock as well. My family says it works.

Answer 3

I have researched this and can't come up with any concrete answers. My mom has RLS (restless leg syndrome) and this works for her. I don't think she unwraps it, but just puts a bar of soap in the bed near her legs (not Dove soap). I haven't heard that is works with leg pain, just RLS.

Answer 4

You'd do a lot better giving him a couple of capsules of Glucosamine Sulfate. It's sold in Walmarts, no prescription necessary and it works...takes a few weeks to really kick in. With it, I sleep the night through, without it, I toss and turn in pain.