We learned that the symptoms of heat cramps include
• Muscle pain or spasms in the abdomen, arms, or legs that may occur in association with strenuous activity.
• Profuse sweating during strenuous activity leaves you prone to heat cramps.
• Sweating that depletes the body’s salt and fluids creates low salt levels in the muscles and causes painful cramps.
Heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion.
We noted that you should seek medical attention for heat cramps if you have heart problems or are on a low-sodium diet.
We learned the recommended treatment for heat cramps include
• Stop all activity and sit quietly in a cool
place.
• Drink water, clear juice, or a sports
beverage.
• Do not perform strenuous activity for a few
hours after the cramps subside. Further
exertion might lead to heat exhaustion or
heat stroke.
• Seek medical attention for heat cramps if they do not subside within an hour.
In Scenario One we learned about a 17-year-old high school soccer player who experienced heat cramps on the field.