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Heat cramps
From WikEM
Contents
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
Evaluation
- Clinical diagnosis
Management
- Self-limited
- Pain is difficult to treat
- Often does not respond to opioids alone
- Hydration
- Mild symptoms: sports drinks
- Severe symptoms: IV normal saline
Disposition
- Usually outpatient
