Q: My son plays football and in the heat of summer practice he is prone to muscle cramps. What can he do to prevent them?
A: Muscle cramps are caused by dehydration, an electrolyte imbalance or an inadequate supply of blood to a muscle. The most common form of muscle cramps are heat cramps, which are caused by profuse sweating while working in hot weather conditions. The best preventative measure in this situation is fluid replacement at the rate of 8 ounces of fluid every 20 minutes of activity. In some cases, an electrolyte imbalance, usually involving a deficit of sodium, magnesium or potassium, may develop over prolonged exercise periods. This can be minimized by a light sprinkling of salt over his food as long as he is not on a low-sodium diet. Additional electrolytes can be obtained by including more fresh vegetables, bananas and oranges in his diet. Finally, blood supply to an exercising muscle may be restricted by too tightly fitting braces or tape. In any case, hydrating is the key for safely enjoying outdoor activities during the extreme temperatures of summer.
– Dr. Chad Smalley, Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society
Submit your health-related questions for a medical doctor to lwilson@timesfreepress.com.