Enable java in your browser. Or use the links below. By using this site, you agree to abide by our user agreement. A painful muscle cramp can stop an athlete in one's tracks. Heavy sweating triggered by exercising in hot weather can rapidly deplete the body of fluids.
Athletes can lose four to six pounds of water an hour during heavy exercise.
The fluid losses from sweating can lead to an inadequate supply of blood to a muscle that is contracting forcefully, which results in intense pain. Avoid diuretics such as coffee, tea or alcohol which trigger urination and lowers fluid volume. Heat cramps also may be caused by an electrolyte imbalance. Potassium and sodium, electrolytes responsible for generating the electrical activity involved in muscles contractions, are lost in sweat. Replace lost electrolytes by eating foods with high concentrations of electrolytes such as bananas, oranges and fresh vegetables.