Summer heat, especially early in the season, may be harmful unless you are aware of how to identify, treat and prevent heat injuries. The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine has issued the following information on heat injury. Heat Regulation Body temperature is regulated by the hypothalamus. Heat Injuries and Illness Heat injury or hyperthermia occurs when these mechanisms fail to restore normal body temperature. Heat injury can take the form of heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heat cramps are the mildest form of hyperthermia.
A person with heat cramps may complain of muscle twitching, cramps or spasm. Treatment typically consists of drinking water to restore adequate hydration and rest in a cool environment. A person is most susceptible to heat cramps at the beginning of the hot weather season before he or she has had a chance to acclimate their bodies to high temperature and humidity. Heat exhaustion is the next severe form of heat injury. A person may complain of headache, fatigue, weakness, lack of coordination and excessive thirst as well as the symptoms of heat cramps.