Heat cramps, a type of
heat illness, are muscle spasms that result from loss of large amount of salt and water through exercise. Heat cramps are associated with
cramping in the
abdomen,
arms and
calves. This can be caused by inadequate consumption of fluids or
electrolytes.
[ Auerbach Paul S Wilderness Medicine. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001:240-316.] Heavy sweating causes heat cramps, especially when the water is replaced without also replacing salt or
potassium.
Although heat cramps can be quite painful, they usually don't result in permanent damage, though they can be a symptom of
heat stroke or
heat exhaustion. Heat cramps can indicate a more severe problem in someone with heart disease or if they last for longer than an hour.
In order to prevent them, one may drink electrolyte solutions such as
sports drinks during exercise or strenuous work or eat potassium-rich foods like
bananas and
apples. When heat cramps occur, the affected person should avoid strenuous work and exercise for several hours to allow for recovery.
See also
*
Dehydration
References
External links
Heat cramps first aid
Electrolyte disturbances
Effects of external causes
Thermochemistry
{{med-diagnostic-stub