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Muscle Cramps After Heavy Sweating: The Cause is a Lack of 'This'
๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท South Korea /Health & Science

Muscle Cramps After Heavy Sweating: The Cause is a Lack of 'This'

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Muscle cramps after heavy sweating are often caused by heat cramps, resulting from electrolyte loss.
  • Proper hydration and rest in a cool place are crucial for recovery.
  • Seek medical attention if cramps persist for over an hour or if underlying health conditions exist.

As South Korea endures a severe heatwave, an increasing number of people are experiencing muscle cramps, particularly after sweating profusely. These painful spasms are commonly known as heat cramps, a condition directly linked to the body's loss of essential electrolytes through sweat.

Medical experts explain that heat cramps occur during intense physical activity in high temperatures when excessive sweating leads to a depletion of fluids and salts. This imbalance can cause painful cramping in muscles such as the calves, thighs, and shoulders. In severe cases, symptoms may include vomiting and dizziness. It is important to distinguish this condition from febrile seizures, which affect young children with high fevers.

Heat cramps are painful diseases that occur due to electrolyte deficiency when sweating heavily in a high-temperature environment.

โ€” Medical communityExplaining the cause of heat cramps during the ongoing heatwave.

To alleviate heat cramps, immediate rest in a cool environment is recommended. Rehydrating with plenty of water is essential. Consuming electrolyte-replenishing drinks or even a homemade solution of water with a teaspoon or two of salt can aid recovery. While sports drinks can help, caution is advised due to their high sugar content.

Gentle massage of the affected muscles can provide relief once cramping subsides. However, individuals should avoid strenuous activity immediately afterward and allow muscles ample time to recover. If cramps persist for more than an hour, or if the individual has pre-existing conditions like heart disease, seeking professional medical help is advised. This is because the strain on the cardiovascular system from dehydration and increased heart rate during heat exposure can be dangerous for those with underlying health issues.

When sweating heavily, excessive loss of water and salt contained in sweat can cause muscle cramps.

โ€” Medical communityDetailing the physiological process leading to heat cramps.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.