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Heat cramps: These muscle cramps are caused by salt depletion as a result of heavy sweating
and exercise. They usually come at the end of an outdoor work day or the end of athletic practice. Muscle contractions in
the legs, arms and abdomen are quite painful and are relieved only by fluid intake, salt replacement and gentle stretching
of the muscles in a cool environment. No kneading or pounding, please! Dizziness and weakness are also persistent. All activity
should cease until the victim has been spasm-free for 30 minutes.
University Park, Pa. -- Larry Kenney, professor of physiology and kinesiology and an expert on the impact of
hot weather and dehydration on people, offers some important facts and reminders about avoiding dehydration.
Are there any misconceptions related to dehydration?
Kenney: Some people are prone to cramps in the heat, and while cramps are not life-threatening, they're certainly
painful to those people who get them. About 30 years ago we went through the idea that a loss of sodium caused cramping, and
then for some reason that theory went out of vogue and people started to talk about potassium. Potassium has absolutely nothing
to do with muscle cramps; it really is a sodium and fluid problem. I've heard people tell people that if you have cramps,
eat bananas -- you'd have to eat about a seven-foot-long banana to increase any level of potassium in your body. So, really,
the idea of adding a little bit of salt to your foods and favoring sports drinks with sodium -- and if you're a cramper, adding
even more sodium to the sports drinks -- is a way to prevent cramping.
Researched and Submitted by: Cathy Holloway(Wizard Tennis Player)
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