Heat cramps
Revision as of 14:47, 22 March 2016 by Ostermayer (talk | contribs) (Text replacement - "Category:Environ" to "Category:Environmental")
Background
- Occurs to those who sweat profusely and replace fluid losses with water
- May occur during exercise, but more common during rest several hours later
- Typically does not involve enough muscle mass to cause rhabdomyolysis[1]
Clinical Features
- Painful, involuntary, spasmodic contractions of skeletal muscles[2]
- Usually affects calves, may involve thighs and shoulders
Differential Diagnosis
Environmental heat diagnoses
Diagnosis
- Clinical diagnosis
Treatment
- Self-limited
- Pain is difficult to treat
- Often does not respond to opiates alone
- Mild symptoms: sports drinks
- Severe symptoms: IV normal saline
Disposition
- Usually outpatient