HEAT ILLNESSES

Minnesota Viking Offensive Lineman Korey Stringer died of  complications from heat exhaustion at the beginning of the 2001 NFL season.

Heat Cramps Heat cramps are muscle contractions, usually in the gastrocnemius or hamstring muscles (the muscles at the back of the calves). These contractions are forceful and painful. These cramps seem to be connected to heat, dehydration, and poor conditioning, rather than to lack of salt or other mineral imbalances. They usually improve with rest, drinking water, and a cool environment. Heat Exhaustion Heat exhaustion is also a result of excessive heat and dehydration. The signs of heat exhaustion include paleness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fainting, and a moderately increased temperature (101-102 degrees F) which, in this case, is not truly a fever, but caused by the heat. Rest and water may help in mild heat exhaustion, and ice packs and a cool environment may also help. More severely exhausted athletes may need IV fluids, especially if vomiting keeps them from drinking enough. In football, there is alot of heat exhaustion because of the pads and the intense heat in the month of August.

Stress Fractures

What is a stress fracture?

A stress fracture is an overuse injury. It occurs when muscles become fatigued and are unable to absorb added shock. Eventually, the fatigued muscle transfers the overload of stress to the bone causing a tiny crack called a stress fracture.

What causes a stress fracture?

Stress fractures often are the result of increasing the amount or intensity of an activity too rapidly. They also can be caused by the impact of an unfamiliar surface and increased physical stress.  In football, the repetitive stress of the foot striking the ground can cause trauma. Without sufficient rest between workouts or competitions, an athlete risks developing a stress fracture.

Where do stress fractures occur?

Most stress fractures occur in the weightbearing bones of the lower leg and the foot. More than 50 percent of all stress fractures occur in the lower leg.

Stress Fracture Treatment

The most important treatment is rest. Individuals need to rest from the activity that caused the stress fracture, and engage in a pain-free activity during the six to eight weeks it takes most stress fractures to heal. If the activity that caused the stress fracture is resumed too quickly, harder-to-heal stress fractures can develop. Reinjury also could lead to chronic problems where the stress fracture might never heal properly.

Tips to Prevent Stress Fractures:

• Slowly increase any new sports activity. For example, do not immediately start running five miles a day; instead gradually build up your mileage on a weekly basis. Running also can be done on alternate days. Try alternating the days you run on a weekly basis.
• Maintain a healthy diet. Make sure you incorporate calcium-rich foods in your meals.
• Use the proper equipment. Do not wear old or worn running shoes.
• If pain or swelling occurs, immediately stop the activity and rest for a few days. If continued pain persists, see an orthopaedic surgeon.
• It is important to remember that if you recognize the symptoms early and treat them appropriately, you can return to sports at your normal playing level.