HEAT CRAMPS Meaning and
Definition
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Heat cramps refer to involuntary, painful muscle contractions or spasms that occur during or after intense physical activity in hot and humid environments. They are primarily caused by the body's inadequate mineral and electrolyte levels due to excessive sweating and dehydration. Heat cramps commonly affect muscles that are being used extensively during exercise, such as the legs, arms, abdomen, and back.
The symptoms of heat cramps typically involve the sudden onset of intense muscle pain, especially in the affected region. The affected muscles may also feel firm or lumpy to the touch. Additionally, heat cramps may be accompanied by excessive sweating, fatigue, weakness, and a rapid heart rate.
To mitigate the occurrence of heat cramps, prompt action is essential. Individuals experiencing heat cramps should immediately rest in a cool, shaded area and rehydrate with water or electrolyte-rich beverages. It may also be beneficial to gently stretch or massage the affected muscles to alleviate the cramping sensation.
Prevention of heat cramps involves ensuring proper hydration before, during, and after physical activity. This can be achieved by consuming sufficient fluids and electrolytes. It is recommended to wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and avoid exercising in extreme heat, especially during the hottest hours of the day.
If the symptoms persist or worsen, medical attention should be sought as it may be an indication of a more severe heat-related illness, such as heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
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Muscular spasms occurring in those who work hard in intense heat, such as laborers in iron mills, stokers, etc.; the spasms are accompanied by severe pain, dilated pupils, and a weak but not rapid pulse.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HEAT CRAMPS
- heat cramp-
- geat cramps
- beat cramps
- neat cramps
- jeat cramps
- ueat cramps
- yeat cramps
- hwat cramps
- hsat cramps
- hdat cramps
- hrat cramps
- h4at cramps
- h3at cramps
- hezt cramps
- hest cramps
- hewt cramps
- heqt cramps
- hear cramps
- heaf cramps
- heag cramps
Etymology of HEAT CRAMPS
The term "heat cramps" is a compound word consisting of "heat" and "cramps", both of which have distinct etymologies.
1. Heat: The word "heat" originated from the Old English word "hǣtu", which eventually evolved into Middle English as "hete". This word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "haitiz" meaning "heat, fervor". Its root can be further traced to the Proto-Indo-European word "kayd-", meaning to "burn", which is also the origin of the Latin word "calidus" (hot) and the Greek word "kaiein" (to burn).
2. Cramps: The word "cramps" comes from the Middle English word "crampen" meaning "to squeeze, press, pinch", which derived from Old English "crampian".
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