Bar of soap might clean up leg cramps

Q: I finally fell asleep last night but woke back up an hour and a half later. I had started getting cramps and a creepy-crawly feeling in my legs.

I know some people who have RLS (restless leg syndrome), so I decided to look it up and see if there were any remedies. I'm sitting at the computer right now with a bar of soap under each leg, and it seems to be working!

A: Placing a bar of soap under the bottom sheet, near where the legs will rest, is one of the wackiest remedies we've come across. We have heard from so many people that it helps, however, that it is clear some folks do benefit.

Q: I have been on thyroid-hormone replacement for more than 20 years. Now I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis.

My doctor prescribed Fosamax and then Actonel. I have heard that such drugs can cause jawbone deterioration. What other options are available for treating osteoporosis?

A: Too much thyroid hormone can weaken bones. Although medications like Fosamax and Actonel are popular treatments for osteoporosis, they have been linked to osteonecrosis of the jaw. Jawbone death does not seem to be common, but it is a frightening side effect and extremely difficult to treat. It appears to be triggered by dental extractions or other invasive procedures. People with known dental problems should have them taken care of before starting such medication.

Ask your doctor to discuss Menostar, Evista, Miacalcin and Forteo as possible alternatives.

People with low bone density should be sure to get adequate vitamin D along with calcium and magnesium. That would be at least 1,000 IU vitamin D a day.

Q: I have read about combining something called Certo with grape juice for arthritis pain. I suffer something awful and have never heard of Certo. My pharmacist was no help.

Is it an herb, a home remedy, a drug or a plant? How does it work on arthritis? Also, how can Certo be purchased and where?

A: Certo is liquid plant pectin. Home canners use it to thicken jams and jellies. It can be found in most grocery stores in the canning-supplies department.

We have no idea why the combination of grape juice and Certo seems to be helpful for joint pain. There are various recipes for this remedy. One is to mix 1 tablespoon of Certo in 8 ounces of grape juice daily.

In their column, pharmacologist Joe Graedon and nutrition expert Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. E-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.