Athletes may be more prone to heat cramps after several days of exercising in extreme heat. Heat cramps may occur in any of the skeletal muscles, but are most common in the large muscles in the arms and legs, especially the calf muscles. Heat cramps often occur at the beginning of the warm weather season before athletes have had an opportunity to acclimate themselves to the environment and when the body is more prone to losing fluids and electrolytes. The following steps should help to prevent many heat-related muscle cramps. Drink Plenty Of Fluids.
Urine color is the key to determining how well-hydrated an athlete is.
Clear urine indicates adequate hydration, yellow urine indicates dehydration and pale urine indicates that the athlete is somewhere between hydration and dehydration. Get Enough Electrolytes. While it is most important to replace fluids lost from sweating, one can't forget about electrolytes. Replacement of potassium and sodium are a must to prevent muscle cramps. Potassium levels can be maintained by eating bananas and oranges or drinking orange juice.