15 Aug Watch for These Symptoms to Avoid Heat Related Sports Injuries
With the heat spiking and school sports starting, being aware of the heat related injuries that could occur is exceptionally important. Kids and teens love getting outside during the summer and fall months, and with our southern climate, that means getting out in the blistering heat. While we are huge fans of sports and pushing ourselves physically, we also believe in staying alert and aware of the changing conditions. Whether you are a coach or a fellow teammate, keep an eye open for these symptoms and take immediate action if a player begins to exhibit them.
While there are a few different heat related injuries that can occur, we are going to focus on two main injuries: heat cramps and heat exhaustion. If you can catch these, you won’t have to worry about heat strokes, which can be extremely dangerous. Here are the signs and symptoms for each.
Heat Cramps
- Severe cramps, typically beginning suddenly in the hands, calves and feet.
- Hard, tense muscles.
If you or another starts to experience these symptoms, don’t just brush it off and play through the pain. Take immediate action. Escape from the heat and rest. Try drinking clear (never red) juice or sports drinks.
Heat Exhaustion
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Headache
- Confusion
- Slow heartbeat
- Excessive thirst
- Muscle aches/cramps
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Agitation
Heat exhaustion can lead to much more serious illnesses if not treated appropriately. Be aware of your body and the actions of your teammates/players. If signs begin to show, it is better to be safe than sorry. Get out of the heat, and rehydrate your body.
While we love playing in the heat, we don’t recommend playing around with it. Pay attention to what your body is telling you and take precautions. Stay hydrated!! Good luck to all of our local players out there!
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