A muscle strain is damage to muscle tissue. The reason is too heavy loads or injuries. When the muscles of the legs are stretched, complex treatment is prescribed for recovery, which includes various ointments. They differ in composition and, accordingly, in action.
Symptoms and diagnosis of leg muscle strain
Signs of stretching:
- Pain syndrome in the problem area of varying severity.
- Skin discoloration, redness.
- The onset of tissue edema.
- The appearance of a hematoma, as well as swelling of the limb at the site of stretching.
- Deterioration of joint mobility up to immobilization of the leg.
- When you try to move, sounds that resemble crunching or crackling are heard.
- Numbness of tissues. Loss of sensitivity sometimes appears.
- In severe cases, the leg is deformed.
- Fever is sometimes observed.
To make a diagnosis, a traumatologist must carry out the following set of measures:
- visual inspection and palpation;
- collection of anamnesis;
- x-ray of a sore leg;
- performing an MRI, as well as CT for additional confirmation of the diagnosis.
Ointment for stretching the leg muscles while running
The prescribed remedy in the form of an ointment acts locally. That is, it is applied directly to the problem area. It is prescribed depending on the purpose of the effect, since the drugs differ in the type of the main substance and the main effect.
They are:
- cooling;
- warming;
- pain relievers;
- anti-inflammatory;
- complex action ointments.
All ointments for muscle stretching act in different ways, contain the main active ingredient, differ in the method of application and the amount of application per day. To figure out what kind of ointment you need, you need to read their description.
Cooling ointments
These ointments are applied immediately to cool the tissues. The vessels are narrowed. The hematoma is reduced. The product contains menthol, anesthetic agent, essential oils. The cooling effect will not only reduce bruising, but also puffiness. Also, the drug will relieve pain when stretching.
Rubbing is not recommended. You just need to anoint the skin with light movements. The victim will feel a pleasant chill. After a while, relief will come.
The following drugs are popular:
- Troxevasin. The main substance is troxerutin. First of all, it effectively acts on blood vessels. Troxevasin helps to restore the capillary wall, reduces inflammation. The tool accelerates metabolic processes in cells. The rate of recovery of damaged tissues increases.
- Lidocaine. Acts locally as an anesthetic. The excitability of nerve fibers is reduced. The ointment should be gently smeared with the affected area. After that, a slight numbness can be expected due to blocking of receptor sensitivity. Lidocaine is used up to 4 times a day. Contraindications: allergic reactions to the constituent components, liver failure.
- Dimexide. A little of the product should be applied to the skin. It reduces pain and inflammation. The main substance is poisonous and is applied only topically up to 3 times a day. It also increases the rate of healing of the affected tissues.
Warming ointments
Such a remedy is applied not earlier than the third day from getting stretching. Warming ointments improve and then restore blood supply to muscle tissue. They help to normalize motor function, accelerate recovery.
They are divided into two types:
- ointments containing poison (bee, snake);
- ointments based on herbal ingredients. They include: camphor, niacin, and essential oils.
- Viprosal. The snake venom included in the composition has a beneficial effect on the general condition of the patient. The receptors are irritated, damaged cells begin to recover faster, and the blood flow returns to normal. Turpentine relieves inflammation. Salicylic acid fights bacteria. The regeneration of the damaged muscle is increased.
- Finalgon. This ointment improves blood circulation, and also relieves pain. Oxygen flows faster to injured cells. Finalgon has the ability to penetrate deeply, acting on the affected area and skin receptors. Anesthetics relieve pain by relieving pain. The tissues become warm, redness appears, and a feeling of warmth after application. The spasm passes, the muscles relax. Finalgon must not be applied to damaged skin.
- Apizartron. Formulated with bee venom, which kills bacteria and reduces inflammation. Methyl salicylate has excellent permeability, acting in the same way as bee venom. Another active ingredient, allyl isothiocyanate, excites nerve receptors, and blood flow begins. The muscles are saturated with oxygen. Apizartron promotes the rapid elimination of toxins, relieves pain. The remedy for stretching the muscles is applied 3 times a day.
- Capsicam. Dimethyl sulfoxide can be used to numb the damaged area. Capsicam very quickly penetrates the problem area. The active substance can have a healing effect in 3 days. Nonivamide fights bacteria by reducing inflammation. Blood circulation improves, the risk of complications is removed. Recovery is faster.
Pain relieving ointments
They relieve or reduce pain syndrome, stop the development of inflammation.
- Finalgel. Stretch ointment reduces the possibility of thrombosis. After using it, joint pain and muscle stiffness disappear. Fights swelling well. It is applied 3 times a day.
- Heparin ointment. Sodium heparin is the main active ingredient. It reduces the risk of blood clots. Benzyl nicotinate increases the lumen of the capillaries. Such a drug for muscle strain does not accumulate in the body, it is quickly excreted through the kidneys. It has a resorbing effect. Benzocaine is excellent for severe pain.
- Ketonal. Refers to non-steroidal drugs. At the same time it helps relieve pain and inflammation. Ketaprofen has a therapeutic effect. Ketonal also contains substances that inhibit the work of nerve fibers. There are contraindications such as diseases of the heart, gastrointestinal tract, kidney and liver.
Anti-inflammatory ointments
The main effect of such ointments from stretching is aimed at blocking inflammation.
Additional effects: pain relief, normalization of motor function:
- Diclofenac. The main active ingredient is sodium diclofenac. It has an excellent ability to quickly penetrate the skin. Prevents inflammation from progressing. Can be applied up to 3 times. It also has an analgesic effect.
- Ketoprofen. It belongs to the NSAID group. The action of such drugs is aimed at the simultaneous removal of pain syndrome and inflammation. Reduces the risk of blood clots. Ketoprofen blocks the production of substances that promote the synthesis of prostaglandins. They are the “cause” of inflammation and edema. Ointment for stretching the muscles is applied 2 times a day, rubbing into the skin. Contraindications: renal and hepatic failure, eczema and dermatosis.
Complex ointments
They contain substances that act on the problem area from different sides:
- Nikoflex. Differs in complex, including vasodilating action. Promotes the outflow of fluid from damaged tissues. Capsaicin fights inflammation, hydroxyethyl relieves pain. Rub in a thin layer of Nikoflex for about three minutes, without exceeding the dosage, until the skin takes on a reddish tint. You can apply the ointment for 10 days.
- Dolobene. Sufficiently effective drug for stretching combined action. Fights edema, improves fluid flow. Dolobene helps to strengthen the vascular wall. Reduces blood clotting, thereby reducing the risk of blood clots. Heparin is the main ingredient. With its help, resorption of hematomas occurs. The action of dimethyl sulfoxide is aimed at blocking the inflammatory process. The tool kills pathogenic microorganisms and has the property of helping tissues to recover quickly.
- Long. Ibuprofen - the main active ingredient. Relieves pain, reduces inflammation. Ibuprofen relieves joint stiffness. Acts quickly and effectively, almost immediately after application. Helps to deal with stretching of the leg muscles.
Pros and cons of using ointments when stretching leg muscles
There are many benefits to remedies that help cure leg muscle sprains. However, there are also downsides.
Advantages:
- availability;
- wide choose;
- ease of use;
- efficiency;
- fast action;
- many ointments have few contraindications. They are prescribed for pregnant women and children.
Disadvantages:
- Possibility of allergic reactions. Especially on painkillers, bee and snake poisons.
- Ointments belonging to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have several significant contraindications.
- Sometimes after using the product, stains may remain on the clothes.
- Often, an anti-stretching agent is prescribed in conjunction with tablets and injections.
Preventing muscle strain while running
There are several rules to prevent sprains:
- It is necessary to strictly observe safety precautions when running, to follow the rules in training.
- Warm-up and stretching exercises are required before running.
- You will need comfortable, properly fitted shoes. It shouldn't be tight, not too laced up.
- It is good to purchase a knee brace (we replace it with an elastic bandage).
- Eat right and follow a drinking regime.
- Avoid overwork.
- Avoid falling. Choose an even, but not slippery road.
Ointments for stretching the muscles of the legs are prescribed by a doctor. Self-medication can lead to poor health and irreversible consequences. After the appointment, you should check the product for portability by smearing the back of the forearm and wait about an hour. If there is no reaction, the medication can be used. However, it is best to avoid injury and take preventive measures.