Heat Cramps

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Medical Author:

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Cunha's educational background includes a BS in Biology from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and a DO from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. He completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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• Heat Cramps Definition
• Heat Cramps Causes
• Heat Cramps Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Heat Cramps Treatment
• Heat Cramps Self-Care at Home
• Heat Cramps Prevention
• Heat Cramps Prognosis
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Author and Editor

Heat Cramps Overview

Heat cramps are painful, brief muscle cramps that occur during exercise or work in a hot environment. Muscles may spasm or jerk involuntarily. Cramping may also be delayed and occur a few hours later.

Heat cramps usually involve the muscles fatigued by heavy work such as the calves, thighs, abdominal muscles, and shoulders. A person is most at risk when:

• a person performs work or activities in a hot environment, usually during the first few days of an activity the person is not used to.
  
  
• a person sweats a great deal during exercise and doesn't rehydrate with water or fluid replacement drinks (such as Gatorade).

Heat Cramps Causes

The exact cause of heat cramps is unknown, but it is most likely related to electrolyte deficiencies. Various essential minerals, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, are known as electrolytes. They are important for many body functions, and an electrolyte imbalance can cause medical problems.

Sweat contains a large amount of sodium, and drinking fluids with inadequate sodium content after sweating profusely may result in a serious low-sodium condition called hyponatremia.

Those at most risk for heat cramps are:

• Infants and young children
  
  
• The elderly
  
  
• Individuals who live by themselves or who cannot afford air conditioning in hot environments
  
  
• Alcohol consumption
  
  
• Individuals who work or exercise in a hot environment
  
  
• Some medications can impair the body's sweat and heat regulation (for example, psychiatric drugs, tranquilizers, OTC cold medications, and antihistamines).