As we approach the summer months, we need to focus on the prevention and recognition of heat-related injuries. Heat-related injuries consist of a continuum of syndromes, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. We will start this four part series by focusing on heat cramps.
Heat Cramps:
- Painful muscle contractions, usually involving the calves.
- Occur when body fluids, lost from sweating, are replaced with only water, which has no electrolytes.
- Prevent by maintaining adequate dietary salt intake and by drinking commercial electrolyte beverages to replace fluids lost while sweating.
- Treatment involves resting in a cool environment, as well as fluid and electrolyte replacement. Oral hydration should be adequate for mild symptoms; IV fluids for moderate to severe cases.
Jim Cretella, M.D.
St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center
St. David’s Urgent Care - Round Rock