Heat Cramps Quick Overview
Heat Cramps Prevention
A person should remove themselves from a hot and humid environment, or hydrate well prior to and during activities in such an environment.Try to avoid working or exercising in the heat of the day, but if it is required, acclimating to the hot weather is important. Drink plenty of fluids and if the activity lasts a prolonged period of time, consider using sports or balanced electrolyte drinks.
Heat Cramps Prognosis
Heat-induced muscle spasms usually resolve without any medical treatment. Heat cramps resolve with relatively simple treatments including rest, hydration and stretching.
- Definition-Heat cramps are muscle cramps occurring during or after exercise or work in a hot environment.
- Causes of HEAT CRAMPS- Heat cramps are thought to be caused by a deficiency in electrolytes.
- Symptoms of heat cramps are painful muscle spasms.
- TREATMENT-Heat cramps are treated by rehydrating with fluids by mouth or intravensously (IV).
- PREVENTION-Heat cramps can be prevented by avoiding strenuous work or exercise in a hot environment, and staying hydrated.
Definition of Heat Cramps -What is Heat Cramps ?
Heat cramps are painful, involuntary muscle spasms(a sudden involuntary muscular contraction or convulsive movement) that usually occur during heavy exercise in hot environments. Fluid and electrolyte loss often contribute to heat cramps.Muscles may spasm or jerk involuntarily. Cramping may also be delayed and occur a few hours later.Heat cramps usually involve muscles that are fatigued by heavy work, such as calves, thighs, and shoulders.
Quick Review-What are heat cramps?
- Painful muscle spasms
- Usually occurs during or after exercise
- Not a medical emergency; can be treated by first aid responders
- Usually sart by affecting the specific muscles recently exercised
- In severe cases can involve all skeletal muscles in the body
- Can increase in severity by increasing the number of muscles affected
CAUSES OF HEAT CRAMPS
Probably results from
Probably results from
- Dehydration (either from losses of fluid from sweat or lack of re-hydrating from a pervious exercise/play session)
- Electrolyte loss through sweat
- Fatigue
The exact cause of heat cramps is unknown. They are probably related to electrolyte problems. Electrolytes include various essential minerals, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. They undergo chemical changes in your tissues. An imbalance can cause problems.
Sweat contains a large amount of sodium, and drinking fluids with inadequate sodium content may result in a serious low-sodium condition called hyponatremia. Some factories have virtually eliminated heat cramps in their workers by supplying salt-enriched fluids.
What are the signs and symptoms of heat cramps?
Heat cramps symptoms:
Heat cramps symptoms:
- Spasms
- Muscle painor a feeling of "twinges"
- Possible nausea and thirst as a result of dehydration.
- Visual evidence that muscles have tightened up
Who is at risk for heat cramps?
Those at most risk for heat cramps include:
Home Remedies for Heat Cramps
Heat cramps usually go away on their own, but you can try one of these home remedies:
If symptoms persist and the child cannot tolerate fluids by mouth, bring the child to a hospital or doctor's office
Those at most risk for heat cramps include:
- Elderly-The elderly because they may have underlying medical conditions, including heart and lung disease, and they can easily become dehydrated
- Infants and young children -because they depend upon others to avoid the heat, dress them appropriately (avoid swaddling an infant since it prevents air movement over the skin to promote sweat evaporation) and provide enough fluid to drink.
- Medications/Drugs-A variety of medications can impair the body's sweat and heat regulation.
Home Remedies for Heat Cramps
Heat cramps usually go away on their own, but you can try one of these home remedies:
- Make your own salt solution by mixing 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon table salt dissolved in a quart of water.
- Rest in a cool place and drink a sports drink, which has electrolytes and salt, or drink cool water.
- Salt tablets by themselves should not be used. They can cause stomach upset and don't adequately replace fluid volume lost.
- Have the child sip or drink fluids with electrolytes (sports drinks) continually until symptoms stop.
- Gently massage the affected muscles
- Massage the affected muscles with ice bags (if possible, and if tolerated by the child)
- Gently stretch the affected muscles.
If symptoms persist and the child cannot tolerate fluids by mouth, bring the child to a hospital or doctor's office
- A doctor will evaluate the affected individual and may diagnose them with severe heat-related illness symptoms and signs, and possibly provide them with IV fluid rehydration. However, oral rehydration and electrolyte replacement is usually sufficient to treat heat cramps.
Heat Cramps Prevention
A person should remove themselves from a hot and humid environment, or hydrate well prior to and during activities in such an environment.Try to avoid working or exercising in the heat of the day, but if it is required, acclimating to the hot weather is important. Drink plenty of fluids and if the activity lasts a prolonged period of time, consider using sports or balanced electrolyte drinks.
Heat Cramps Prognosis
Heat-induced muscle spasms usually resolve without any medical treatment. Heat cramps resolve with relatively simple treatments including rest, hydration and stretching.