Heat Cramps Symptoms and Causes: As soon as the summer season arrives, its effects on the body become clearly visible. Strong sunlight, humidity and sweat together make the body tired quickly. Many times people ignore it considering it to be normal fatigue, but this condition can later turn into heat cramps i.e. muscle pain and cramps caused by heat. This problem is especially seen in those people who work in the sun, exercise too much or do not drink enough water.
Heat cramps should not be taken lightly, as it can be the first sign of overheating of the body. If timely attention is not given, this condition can progress into a serious disease like heat exhaustion or heat stroke. In such a situation, let us know why the cases of heat cramps increase in summer and how to take care of yourself.
What are heat cramps?
Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms that occur due to overheating of the body and lack of water and essential minerals (electrolytes). These cramps usually occur in the legs, hands, stomach or around the abdomen and parts of the back. When we sweat too much, salt and essential elements are removed from the body. Due to this, the muscles are not able to function properly and stiffness or pain starts in them.
Why do cases of heat cramps increase in summer?
1. Lack of water in the body (dehydration) – There is more sweating in summer. If you do not drink enough water, there is dehydration in the body. This affects blood circulation and temperature control.
2. Deficiency of electrolytes – Elements like sodium, potassium and calcium are very important for the body. These help the muscles and nerves to function properly. These elements come out with sweat, which causes cramps.
3. Excessive physical exertion – Working in the sun, exercising or doing heavy work tires the body quickly and causes excessive sweating, which increases the risk of cramps.
4. Excessive heat and humidity – If you are in a very hot and closed place, where there is no proper flow of air, then the body is not able to cool itself. Due to this the body temperature increases.
5. Effect of age – Small children and the elderly are easily affected, the body of children is not able to control the temperature quickly and the elderly produce less sweat, due to which the body is not able to cool down.
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Symptoms of Heat Cramps
Heat cramps may start gradually or suddenly. Some of its common symptoms are severe pain or cramps in the muscles, sudden jerks or strains, excessive sweating, moist and red skin, weakness or fatigue and sometimes mild fever.
How to take care of yourself from heat cramps
1. If you or someone else gets heat cramps, move away from a sunny or hot place, go to a cool place and give the body rest.
2. Drink cold water, put wet clothes or a cold bandage on the body and sit near a fan or AC.
3. Take as much water and electrolytes as possible. Like normal water, coconut water, ORS or sports drink.
4. Slowly stretch the painful muscle and massage it lightly.
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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
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