How are heat cramps primarily treated?

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Heat cramps come from losing electrolytes, especially sodium, through sweat. When sodium and fluids are depleted, muscle cells don’t function properly, leading to painful cramps. The most direct way to correct this is to increase sodium intake so the body can restore extracellular sodium and fluid balance, helping nerves and muscles fire normally again. This is why electrolyte-containing fluids or salty foods are more effective than plain water, which only adds volume without replenishing electrolytes. Resting helps but doesn’t fix the underlying salty deficit, and ice won’t address the electrolyte imbalance either. So, the best initial treatment is increasing sodium intake along with adequate hydration to reestablish the right balance and relieve the cramps.