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HEAT CRAMPS

Men's Health, Women's Health / By

HEAT CRAMPS

Heat cramps are painful, involuntary muscle spasms that occur in an individual during or after intense exercise or work in hot or humid environments.

  • Heat cramps are the mildest form of heat injury. Other forms of heat-related illnesses include heat exhaustion and heat stroke
  • Heat cramps usually affect those muscles that are being stressed or fatigued by work in a hot environment. These may include muscles of the calves, the core muscles (abdominal wall and back), and the arm muscles (biceps, triceps)
  • Heat cramps usually don’t result in any permanent damage, though they can be a symptom of heat exhaustion or heat stroke
  • In cases where heat cramps last longer than an hour or occur in someone with heart disease, heat cramps can indicate a more severe problem

CAUSES

The exact cause of heat cramps is unknown.

Some research suggests that an imbalance of electrolytes in the body may cause heat cramps. Electrolytes are involved in chemical reactions in the muscles. They include various essential minerals, such as sodium, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

Risk factor includes:

  • Doing work or activity in a hot environment-usually during the first few days of activity you are not used to
  • Sweating greatly during exercise and drinking large amounts of water or other fluids that lack salt
  • Some professionals such as roofers and construction workers

SYMPTOMS

  • Painful, involuntary, brief cramps especially in the legs
  • Flushed, moist skin

You should call a doctor if:

  • The cramps cannot be controlled
  • You are unable to drink sufficient fluids because of nausea or vomiting, have significant weakness, or profuse sweating that does not stop when placed in a cooler environment
  • You have more severe symptoms of heat illnesses, including fatigue, vomiting, dizziness, headache, fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, or a high temperature (sometimes greater than 106F)

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

To make a diagnosis, the doctor will take your history and carry out a physical exam.

TREATMENT

The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms.

If you suspect heat cramp,

  • Stop the activity being performed. Do not resume strenuous activity for several hours or longer after the heat cramps go away
  • Get to a cooler place
  • Drink electrolyte-containing sport drink
  • Gently stretch the muscles that are cramping

In other cases,

Intravenous fluid may be administered if you have trouble replacing body fluids as a result of nausea or vomiting.

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications may help in treating painful muscles.