Heat Cramps
Heat cramps are muscle cramps caused by intense exercise. They often occur in the heat but can also occur in cooler temperatures. They are sometimes called "exercise-associated muscle cramps." Symptoms include muscle cramping that comes on suddenly and causes severe pain. This cramping can be in the abdomen, but more often, it's in the arm or leg muscles. Cramping may last from minutes to hours. The cramps are thought to be caused by dehydration and loss of minerals in the body due to excessive sweating, but other factors can be involved. They are more common in people who are not used to heavy exercise or who are not used to exercising in hot or humid temperatures.
Heat cramps are treated by moving to a cool place, stretching the muscle, and drinking fluids containing salt. Severe heat cramps may need to be treated using IV (intravenous) fluids.
Home care
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If cramping continues, drink electrolyte solution, sports drinks, or water.
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Don't use salt tablets. They can give you too much salt, which can irritate the stomach and cause vomiting. Instead, you can add one-half teaspoon of table salt to a bottle of a sports drink before you drink it.
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Stay away from alcohol and caffeine.
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Stretch and massage the painful muscle.
Preventing heat cramps
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Stay hydrated during exercise. Drink plenty of fluids containing electrolytes, such as sports drinks.
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Work up gradually to exercising in hot or very humid conditions. Limit exercise on very hot days.
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Don't drink alcohol or caffeine before and during exercise.
Preventing other heat illness
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Protect yourself from the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and a broad-brimmed hat.
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Drink plenty of fluids before and during activity. Stay away from alcohol and caffeine.
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Limit exercise on hot or very humid days. If you have to be active in the heat, take frequent breaks to drink fluids and cool down.
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Don't exercise when you're feeling ill.
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Watch for symptoms of heat illness such as extreme tiredness, excess sweating, and dizziness. If any occur, move to a cool place, rest, and drink cool fluids. Lying down with your legs raised slightly can help you recover.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your healthcare provider as advised.
When to get medical advice
Call your healthcare provider right away if any of these occur:
Call 911
Call 911 if you have any of these symptoms of severe heat illness:
Online Medical Reviewer:
Eric Perez MD
Online Medical Reviewer:
Jessica Gotwals RN BSN MPH
Online Medical Reviewer:
Ronald Karlin MD
Date Last Reviewed:
12/1/2022
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