Heat cramps
Revision as of 01:08, 26 August 2015 by Kghaffarian (talk | contribs)
Background
- Painful, involuntary, spasmodic contractions of skeletal muscles
- Usually affects calves, may involve thighs and shoulders
- Occurs to those who sweat profusely and replace fluid losses with water
- May occur during exercise, but more common during rest several hours later
Differential Diagnosis
Environmental heat diagnoses
Treatment
- Self-limited
- Pain is difficult to treat
- Often does not respond to opiates alone
- Mild symptoms: sports drinks
- Severe symptoms: IV normal saline
See Also
Source
Tintinalli