Guide To Heat-Related Illnesses

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps are considered a heat-related illness because they usually occur in hot environments. However, the exact mechanism that causes them is unknown. An individual with heat cramps will experience brief and painful cramps in their muscles. These spasms might occur during exercise or work, or they may begin a few hours after the strenuous activity. It's most common for the cramps to affect muscles that have become tired due to heavy work, like the shoulders, thighs, and calves. Drinking large amounts of fluids with no salt can increase an individual's risk of this, since this causes them to lose fluid and become dehydrated. Individuals are also at an increased risk of this condition for the first few days after they begin new activities. Researchers believe heat cramps are related to electrolyte issues. Electrolytes are necessary for muscles to function properly, and if individual's don't have enough electrolytes because of dehydration, their muscles can cramp and spasm involuntarily.