Sports Injuries and Unique Therapies

Regardless of the sport you participate in, injury is an aspect that every athlete has to confront. I am currently training for my 3^rd marathon and injury has certainly been something I’ve had to encounter. As a former college football player, I’m very familiar with aches and pains. Injuries can be very bothersome and frustrating, whether they are mild, moderate, or severe. How the injury is handled can mean the difference between a speedy recovery and a nagging problem. Some injuries benefit from low grade anti-inflammatory cream, others may need medications taken orally, and some injuries just need ice and rest. We’re going to take a look at injuries and some novel therapies that will keep you in the game, or at the very least get you back sooner.

Risk Factors for Injury

Doing too much, too soon
Fatigue
Laziness
Not taking proper care of your body, i.e., not eating right or not getting enough sleep
Anatomical problems, including differences in leg length or flat feet

Determining the Severity of an Injury

The most important aspect in determining severity is paying attention to your body. No one knows your body as well as you do, so pay attention and get to know the difference between aches and pains and a true injury. Aches and pains, if caught early enough and treated properly, can be played through. Here’s where anti-inflammatory creams, gels, and patches are helpful. They help relieve soreness and inflammation to allow for proper healing.

Preventing Injury

Tight muscles can also lead to injury. This is why it’s very important to stretch your muscles. Stretching is key to preventing injury. To aid in stretching and help relieve tight muscles, certain muscle relaxing agents can be compounded into creams or patches to be applied directly to the site of the desired action.

Compounds Used to Treat Injury

For Muscle Spasms, Cramps, and Back Pain

Rx: Speed Gel – Guaifenesin and Dextromethorphan
Rx: Baclofen, Lidocaine and Guaifenesin Topical Gel
Rx: Cyclobenzaprine Topical Gel

For Inflammation and Pain

Rx: Capsicum Oleoresin and Ketoprofen Topical Gel
Rx: Diclofenac Topical Gel
Rx: Ketoprofen Topical Gel or Cream
Rx: Piroxicam Topical Gel

Wound Care

Rx: Lidocaine, Epinephrine, and Tetracaine Topical Spray

Ultrasound Gels

Rx: Dexamethasone and Lidocaine Phonophoresis Gel
Rx: Ketoprofen and Cyclobenzaprine Phonophoresis Gel
Rx: Piroxicam Phonophoresis Gel

Iontophoresis Gels

Rx: Acetic Aqueous Solution (reduces scar tissue)
Rx: Dexamethasone and Lidocaine Solution

Conclusion

Remember, if you feel you have sustained an injury, see a team doctor or your primary care physician immediately to get an adequate evaluation of the severity of the injury. If you are dealing with aches and pains, you can also speak with your physician to determine whether or not one of these treatments would be beneficial for you. The treatments are safe when used as directed and are non-addicting.

-Caleb Meacham, PharmD