Heat cramps

Revision as of 04:29, 8 July 2016 by Neil.m.young (talk | contribs) (Text replacement - "==Treatment==" to "==Management==")

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

Management

  • 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

See Also

References

  1. Waters T. Heat Emergencies In: Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 7th ed. McGraw Hill Medical. 2011: 1339-1344
  2. Waters T. Heat Emergencies In: Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 7th ed. McGraw Hill Medical. 2011: 1339-1344