What should you know about cramping from heat exhaustion?

Cramping from heat exhaustion can follow heavy sweating in hot conditions and needs cooling, rest and careful fluid replacement. It often affects muscles used during activity and may occur with thirst, headache, dizziness or unusual tiredness.

Heat and sweating remove water and salts that muscles use during contraction. Heat Exhaustion may therefore cause painful spasms alongside Excessive Sweating, Excessive Thirst, Dizziness or Headache. Dark Urine can suggest concentrated urine after fluid loss. Dehydration may worsen the problem. Heat intolerance is a different pattern of becoming unwell in warm surroundings and may need assessment if it happens repeatedly.

Stop exercising and move to shade or an air-conditioned place. Lie or sit comfortably, loosen extra clothing and cool the skin with wet cloths or a fan. Sip a suitable rehydration drink or water if you are alert and able to swallow; avoid gulping large amounts. Gently stretch the cramped muscle only if it does not increase pain. Do not return to heat or strenuous activity until you feel fully recovered.

Call emergency services for confusion, collapse, seizure, loss of consciousness, very hot skin, inability to drink, or worsening symptoms despite cooling. These may indicate heatstroke, which is life-threatening. Arrange medical advice if cramps continue after cooling, urine remains dark, vomiting prevents drinking, or dizziness does not settle.

Ask how to plan fluids and breaks for work or exercise in heat, whether medicines increase heat risk, and how to recognise early warning signs. Tell the clinician how long you were exposed, how much you sweated, and whether symptoms returned after resting.