Heat Cramps - First Aid and Emergency Treatment Guide

    Overview

• Heat cramps are involuntary muscle spasms 
• They are caused by deficiency of water and sodium 
• Heat cramps are painful, may be severe and prolonged
• Heavy exercising in hot weather causes excessive sweating
• This causes electrolyte deficiency resulting in muscle cramps
• Muscles most affected are the voluntary muscles of- 
  a. Calves
  b. Arms
  c. Thighs
  d. Back 
  e. Abdomen
• Heat cramps are the least serious of all heat injuries
• It is a warning sign for heat exhaustion