Tennis players are using a surprising hack to fight cramps at the US Open

Players who find themselves in a pickle at this year’s US Open will have an unlikely remedy waiting courtside. For the first time, Mount Sinai’s medical team is bringing a unique beverage to the tournament that can help ease exercise-related muscle cramps within minutes. And no, it’s not the Honey Deuce. Heat and high humidity during the US Open increases the risk of dehydration and muscle cramping for athletes. REUTERS Typically, when a cramp strikes, the fix involves gentle stretching, targeted massage, hydration and electrolytes. But a briny swig of pickle juice may also do the trick. “While hydration and electrolyte replacement remain the most important, research suggest that pickle juice may relieve an acute cramp through a different mechanism than simply replacing sodium or fluids,”