Heat cramps

Heat Cramps, Exhaustion and Stroke Also known as:heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, heat-related illnesses. What are heat cramps, exhaustion and stroke? Children have greater difficulty managing overexposure to heat for a variety of reasons and are therefore more vulnerable to heat-related injury. Heat cramps, exhaustion and stroke are three related conditions that represent progressively worsening symptoms that can occur during prolonged exposure to heat and humidity without adequate amounts of fluid intake. Heat cramps are the first and mildest form of heat related symptoms that can occur, followed by heat exhaustion and then heat stroke at the severe end of the spectrum. What causes heat cramps, exhaustion and stroke? Usually it’s some combination of exposure to prolonged high temperatures, high humidity, strenuous activity, lack of breaks during athletic competition, with an inadequate fluid intake that causes heat cramps, exhaustion and stroke. Some children, particularly those who have chronic health conditions, are overweight/obese, take certain medications and/or wear heavy or thick clothing while doing physical activity (football or marching band) are at greater risk. What are the symptoms of heat cramps, exhaustion and stroke? Heat cramps are painful muscle cramps or spasms usually affecting larger muscle groups that occur after heat exposure with mild/high fever, pale moist skin and nausea. Children/adolescents may be dehydrated and the muscles groups in...

What Are Heat Cramps? Heat cramps are painful and are more common during the nighttime. The individuals performing vigorous physical activities are affected by involuntary muscle spasms. This condition is known as heat cramps. Fluid loss or dehydration contributes to heat cramps. Normal blood contains fluid as a component to transport the nutrients. Heat cramps occur in the muscle group that undergoes strain during exercise. The most commonly affected muscles include the calf muscles, biceps, abdomen, and back muscles. What Are the Causes of Heat Cramps? Various causes initiate muscle spasms and eventually lead to heat cramps. These include; • The workers involved in construction and roofing tops are more likely to be affected by heat cramps. This is because they tend to use their muscles to lift heavy weights. • The individuals involved in physical activity and not drinking enough fluid becomes dehydrated which results in heat cramps. • Electrolytes are the minerals responsible for muscle contraction. It maintains the pH level in the body. The deficiency of these minerals causes heat cramps. • Sodium plays an important role in maintaining muscle function. Inadequate intake of fluids containing sodium results in a condition known as • Calcium helps in muscle movement and maintains the contraction and dilatation of the blood vessels. The deficiency of calcium causes • Potassium is responsible for muscle contraction. Depletion of the potassium causes muscle spasms and eventu...

Muscle spasms (muscle cramps) are painful contractions and tightening of your muscles. They’re common, involuntary and unpredictable. Although there are steps you can take to prevent a muscle spasm and treat it when it attacks, those methods are not always reliable. Muscle relaxants, stretching and massage are most likely to help. Overview What are muscle spasms (muscle cramps)? Otherwise known as muscle cramps, spasms occur when your muscle involuntary and forcibly contracts uncontrollably and can’t relax. These are very common and can affect any of your muscles. They can involve part or all of a muscle, or several muscles in a group. The most common sites for muscle spasms are the thighs, calves, feet, hands, arms and abdomen. When occurring in the calves, especially, such cramps are known as “charley horses.” A What do muscle spasms (muscle cramps) feel like? Muscle spasms range in intensity from mild, uncomfortable twitches to significant discomfort to intense, severe pain. The spastic muscle may feel harder than normal to the touch and/or appear visibly distorted. It may twitch. Spasms typically last from seconds to 15 minutes or longer, and may recur multiple times before going away. How do I stop a muscle spasm? There’s no pill or injection that instantly relieves muscle spasms, so the best thing you can do is stretch your affected muscle and massage it. If it’s in your leg, get up and walk around. Try applying ice or heat (take a warm bath or use a heating pad). So...

Overview What are heat cramps? Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms that happen when your body gets too hot. They’re a mild form of heat illness and a sign of heat exhaustion. When you experience heat cramps, you may feel an uncomfortable tightening of the muscles in your: • Abdomen (belly). • Arms. • Hands. • Feet. • Legs. • Rib cage. • Shoulders. When you sweat a lot, your body loses salt and nutrients ( Can heat cramps lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke? Heat cramps, • Remain in a hot environment. • Don’t replenish your lost electrolytes. Heat cramps are a sign that your body is overheated. Cool down and stay hydrated to avoid more serious heat-related illnesses. Heatstroke requires emergency medical attention. If left untreated, heatstroke can cause permanent disability or death. Symptoms and Causes What are symptoms of heat cramps? The main symptom of heat cramps is feeling your muscles tighten and harden. The pain can range from mild to severe. Sometimes, you can even see the muscle cramping. For example, if you’re experiencing heat cramps in your toes, you may see your toes curling or stiffening. And since heat cramps are involuntary, you can’t control your muscle as it spasms. You may also have other symptoms of heat exhaustion, including: • Clammy skin. • • Heavy sweating. • • Tiredness or weakness. What causes heat cramps? Intense physical activity in a hot location can lead to heat cramps. The cause is a combination of your rising body temperature and a loss...

However, the sheer number of options available can be overwhelming. Should you get a microwaveable heating pad or a classic corded one? Is it best to place an electric heating pad directly on the skin or on top of your Okay, are heating pads safe? “Period cramps occur when the muscles of your uterus contract, typically just before or during your period. Prostaglandins are released, which cause painful contractions,” Dr. Orbuch explains. “[Heat helps] by relaxing the myometrium, or smooth muscle of the uterus. So when you apply heat directly to the cramping area (the lower belly or back), “the blood vessels will begin to dilate, which allows more blood flow to your uterus.” If you're using microwaveable or electric heating pads, avoid placing them directly on your skin to prevent them from causing burns. What should you consider when buying them? The main differences between the various types of heating pads lie in their portability and the way they create heat. Ask yourself these questions before making a purchase. • Will you use it at home, while traveling, or at work? • Will you be moving around frequently or staying in one place? There are many options to fit your needs, including “electric heating pads, the old-fashioned hot water bottle, and microwaveable pads,” Dr. Orbuch says. Cordless, rechargeable, and adhesive pads that can be stuck directly to the body are great for on-the-go relief. If comfort is your main priority, electric heating pads (heated via electrical ...

The exact cause of heat cramps is unknown, but common theories include: • Altered neuromuscular control • Dehydration • Doing a new activity • Electrolyte depletion • Muscle fatigue • Poor conditioning While all these theories are being studied, there's more evidence that the "altered neuromuscular control" hypothesis is the principal pathophysiological mechanism the leads to exercise-associated muscle cramping (EAMC). Altered neuromuscular control is often related to muscle fatigue and results in a disruption of muscle coordination and control. • Stop activity and sit quietly in a cool place. • Drink a sports beverage with electrolytes (you can make your own sodium-based solution with 1/4 teaspoon table salt mixed in a quart of water). • Gently stretch and massage the cramping muscle. • Hold the joint in a stretched position until the cramp stops. • Seek medical attention for heat cramps if they do not subside in one hour. Most muscle cramps are not serious. If your muscle cramps are severe, frequent, constant or otherwise of concern, see your doctor. Prevent Heat Illness Remember, it is easier to prevent heat illness than to treat it once symptoms develop. To minimize your risk of developing heat cramps, it's important to hydrate well. • Avoid exercising during the hottest time of day; train closer to sunrise or sunset. • If you are going to exercise in hot weather, acclimatize to the heat for about a week before intense exercise. • If you feel your abilities start to di...

What are heat-related illnesses? Exposure to abnormal or prolonged amounts of heat and humidity without relief or adequate fluid intake can cause various types of heat-related illness. Children and teens adjust more slowly than adults do to changes in environmental heat. They also produce more heat with activity than adults, and sweat less. Sweating is one of the body's normal cooling mechanisms. Children and teens often do not think to rest when having fun and may not drink enough fluids when playing, exercising, or participating in sports. Children and teens with chronic health problems, or those who take certain medicines, may be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Children and teens who are overweight or wear heavy clothing during exertion, such as marching band or football uniforms, are also more susceptible. There are 3 types of heat-related illnesses: • Heat cramps • Heat exhaustion • Heat stroke What are heat cramps? Heat cramps are the mildest form of heat illness and consist of painful muscle cramps and spasms that occur during or after intense exercise and sweating in high heat. What is heat exhaustion? Heat exhaustion is more severe than heat cramps and results from a loss of water and salt in the body. It occurs in conditions of extreme heat and excessive sweating without adequate fluid and salt replacement. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body is unable to cool itself properly and, if left untreated, can progress to heat stroke. What is heat stroke? H...

Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. How to avoid heat cramps and stay safe while exercising in extreme heat The combination of hot temperatures and physical activity can lead to heat cramps in your muscles — particularly in the calves, thighs, and arms. Along with "Heat cramps are the least serious of the three, but still may be very painful and alarming," says Rathna Nuti, MD, a primary care sports medicine physician in Dallas. Here's what you need to know to recognize and treat heat cramps before heat illness becomes more dangerous. What are heat cramps? A heat cramp feels a lot like a muscle cramp or charley horse, says Nuti. The number one reason heat cramps occur — as well as heat exhaustion and heatstroke — is exercise in hot and humid conditions. Hot weather, along with physical activity, sets the stage for heavy sweating. As people sweat, they lose fluids and electrolytes, which Heat cramps can also be an early symptom of heat exhaustion, which is when your body starts to overheat. If you don't cool yourself down right away, you could develop heat stroke, which can result in death without calling 911 and receiving immediate medical attention. To know if your heat cramps are a sign of heat...