Hello again, my beloved readers. Surely you have encountered muscle pain that manifests itself after training or uncharacteristically heavy loads for the body. The feeling of discomfort sometimes turns out to be so strong that you want to take a painkiller, lie down at home for a few days and forget about the gym for a while.
In today’s article I want to talk about ointment for muscle pain, its beneficial properties, and the existing types of this painkiller. Therapeutic agents are characterized by an anti-inflammatory effect, helping to relieve swelling and reduce pain.
Types of Medicines for Relieving Muscle Pain
Pain can occur for various reasons. Unfortunately, they appear not only after intense training, but also as a result of the development of pathological processes accompanied by myalgia and requiring treatment. If we are talking about a disease, it is important to make a diagnosis and undergo treatment under the supervision of doctors.
You can relieve muscle pain and the inevitable discomfort using various means. It can be:
- Ointments.
- Balms.
- Gels.
- Creams.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of tablets and capsules.
Massage helps get rid of painful sensations. But, again, it is necessary to understand the cause of the pain. It’s one thing if your muscles start to ache one or two days after training, and quite another when the pain arises for no apparent reason, suddenly, and does not go away for a week.
The best Russian ointments
Among Russian warming ointments there are very effective nominees. Moreover, they not only perform no worse than their imported counterparts, but also have a more attractive price.
Salvisar
Rating: 4.9
The Russian manufacturer Biokhimik produces Salvisar warming ointment. It is a domestic analogue of Viprosal V. The ointment contains viper venom, salicylic acid, synthetic camphor, and gum turpentine. It is indicated for diseases of the musculoskeletal system and peripheral nervous system. This drug is contraindicated under 6 years of age. Persons under 18 years of age should use it with great caution.
Salvisar is a white ointment with a slight yellowish tint with the smell of camphor and turpentine. It is sold in aluminum tubes in very different packaging - from 15 to 100 g. The ointment is applied in parts to the pathological areas and gently rubbed in once a day. If the pain is severe, then this remedy can be used morning and evening. The maximum period of use of this ointment without consultation with a specialist should not exceed 10 days.
Consumers note that Salvisar works no worse than imported Viprosal. This ointment perfectly warms up the painful area and numbs it. And if, after applying the product, you still wrap the pathological focus, the effect will be many times stronger. The only thing some people don’t like is that the ointment is quite greasy and doesn’t absorb well. And sometimes it provokes allergic skin reactions.
Advantages
- working composition;
- perfectly warms and relieves pain;
- economically used;
- various packaging options;
- affordable price.
Flaws
- The ointment is greasy and takes a long time to absorb.
Espaul
Rating: 4.8
The Russian pharmaceutical company Nizhpharm produces the drug Espol. This ointment contains a thick extract of capsicum as the main active ingredient. Among the auxiliary components are lavender and coriander oil. This remedy has a locally irritating, “distracting”, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect, and enhances local blood circulation.
Espol is available in the form of a reddish-brown ointment with a weak specific odor. It is sold in aluminum tubes in various packaging to choose from. The ointment is used externally in the area of the pathological focus. Lightly rub 2-3 g 2-3 times a day. The effect is enhanced by applying a dry warming bandage. Duration of treatment is 1-10 days. The ointment is approved for use from 2 years of age.
From the reviews it follows that when rubbing the ointment in 10-15 minutes, hyperemia (redness of the skin) and a feeling of warmth appear. At the same time, consumers note that Espol should not be applied in a thick layer to avoid burns. This drug perfectly warms and relieves pain. Some people don't like the fact that this ointment can leave marks on clothes. Itching and flaking of the skin may also occur at the site of application.
Advantages
- not overloaded, but effective composition;
- excellent warming effect;
- relieves pain, relieves inflammation;
- can be used by children from 2 years of age.
Flaws
- may stain clothes;
- Itching and peeling of the skin may occur at the site of application.
Bom Benge
Rating: 4.7
Various Russian pharmaceutical companies produce Bom Benge ointment. It contains 2 active ingredients: menthol and methyl salicylate. Has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Under the influence of the ointment, vasodilation occurs. The initial cooling sensation is replaced by a slight burning and tingling sensation.
Bom Benge is a white or yellow ointment with the smell of menthol and methyl salicylate. Its consistency is thick. Sold in orange glass jars or tubes. It is recommended to apply the ointment to painful areas of the body in a layer of approximately 1 mm, and then rub into the skin. Depending on the intensity of the pain, the procedure is repeated 2-3 times a day.
Many people highly praise this time-tested product in their reviews. This ointment is suitable for rubbing on adults and children. It helps to cope with both muscle pain and colds. If you rub Bom Benge thoroughly, the warming effect will be pronounced. But some people don’t like taking this product out of a glass jar and prefer tubes.
Advantages
- a simple but time-tested remedy;
- warms up perfectly;
- treats muscle pain and colds;
- can be used to treat children.
Flaws
- It's awkward to take out of the jar.
Gavkamen
Rating: 4.6
The review of the best warming ointments ends with the drug Gevkamen. It is produced by various Russian pharmaceutical companies. The ointment contains 4 active ingredients: levomenthol, peppermint leaf oil, eucalyptus leaf oil and camphor. The auxiliary component is clove flower oil. The drug is approved for use from 12 years of age.
Gevkamen is a homogeneous white ointment with a yellowish tint and a specific odor. It can be purchased in dark glass jars or tin tubes. A small amount of ointment should be applied to the painful area and rubbed into the skin with light massage movements. The procedure is carried out depending on the intensity of pain 2-3 times a day.
From the reviews it follows that with good rubbing of the area where Gevkamen is applied, a significant warming effect is observed. It is more pronounced and lasts longer if the area is covered with a scarf. The drug is an excellent pain reliever and relieves inflammation. Some note that they are embarrassed by the initial burning and tingling sensation after applying this ointment, but these uncomfortable sensations pass quickly enough.
Advantages
- good composition with herbal ingredients;
- pleasant warming effect;
- relieves pain, relieves inflammation;
- helps in treating colds.
Pain relieving ointments and how they work
Most often, ointments are used to relieve muscle pain. Their range is extensive, and there is no shortage of inexpensive drugs with high efficiency. There are really a lot of names, so it is sometimes difficult for an unprepared person to make a choice. For serious illnesses, ointments are prescribed by general practitioners based on the diagnosis.
Local medications are also good because the side effects from their use are much less pronounced (or completely absent) compared to drugs that enter the bloodstream directly.
Most medicines have a warming effect. Due to the dilation of blood vessels, blood flows away from the damaged area. If swelling has formed at the site of injury, it decreases and blood circulation is restored. The inflammatory process gradually subsides, the muscles relax and the spasm goes away.
Another useful property of ointments is the switching of the nervous system’s attention to a local stimulus. I will explain this point in more detail. When severe pain occurs (and a joint injury is often quite painful), these sensations are transmitted to the brain, where a real source of pain is formed. The nervous system closes on it, and this greatly exhausts the body.
You can interrupt the unpleasant process using a local irritant. The product not only warms the damaged area, quickly absorbing into the skin, but also acts as an irritant due to the components included in its composition (derivatives of pepper, camphor, bee venom, and so on). Often this is enough to switch the nervous system.
There are also cooling medications. They do not have a pronounced irritating effect, but create a feeling of decreasing temperature around the affected area. They contain analgesics, menthol, essential oils, and anticoagulants. As a rule, such drugs are used immediately or shortly after injury, allowing you to quickly relieve pain.
The best imported ointments
Imported pharmaceutical companies provide a wide range of warming ointments. Many of them can be used for medicinal purposes or to help athletes (before, during or after training). Most often they have combined formulations. Active ingredients may include: capsaicin, bee or snake venom, mustard extracts.
Finalgon
Rating: 4.9
The first nominee in our review was the German ointment Finalgon. Its active ingredients are nonivamide (a synthetic analogue of capsaicin) and nicoboxyl (a derivative of nicotinic acid). Both components are capable of locally dilating blood vessels, causing redness of the skin. This effect is clearly felt 2-3 minutes after applying the ointment. The drug is approved for use from 18 years of age.
Finalgon ointment has a uniform consistency. It is translucent and visually resembles a gel. It can be purchased in tubes of 50 or 20 g. The kit includes an applicator for ease of application. First, you need to check the body’s tolerance of this product by applying a minimal amount. If you use this ointment frequently, the reaction to it becomes mild and you have to increase its amount when applying.
According to reviews, Finalgon can be a real salvation for various pathologies of muscles and joints, but only if this remedy is used correctly. It is important to avoid overuse as the burning sensation will be very strong. If you follow the instructions, the pleasant warming effect reaches its maximum 20-30 minutes after application, and excellent pain relief develops after 1-2 hours. Many people also like the pleasant scent of this product.
Advantages
- effective combination of active ingredients;
- unobtrusive fragrance;
- the tube is equipped with an applicator;
- heats up deeply and for a long time;
- good pain reliever;
- has many indications for use.
Flaws
- if abused, it can cause a chemical burn.
Capsicam
Rating: 4.8
Latvian manufacturer Grindeks produces warming ointment Capsicum. It contains 5 active ingredients: dimethyl sulfoxide, racemic camphor, gum turpentine, benzyl nicotinate, nonivamide. These substances provoke vasodilation and act as an irritant on nerve endings. Against this background, redness of the tissues and an analgesic effect are observed.
Capsicam ointment has an almost white color, a uniform structure and a specific odor. You can buy it in tin tubes of 30/50 g. For joint or muscle pathologies, the ointment is applied to the pathological focus in an amount of 1-3 g. For this, a special applicator is used. Then it is gently rubbed into the skin. Do this 2-3 times a day. Capsicam is also used before sports training.
Within a few hours after applying Capsicam, the skin temperature increases by 1-2 °C. The pain goes away after 30-40 minutes and this effect lasts for 3-6 hours. Usually the ointment just warms the area where it hits very well. There are no unpleasant sensations, just spreading warmth. But if you apply it immediately after a shower or take water treatments in the near future, it will burn very strongly.
Advantages
- effective combined composition;
- The kit includes an applicator;
- the warming effect lasts quite a long time;
- relieves pain for 3-6 hours;
- Suitable for use by athletes.
Flaws
- the smell is quite repulsive;
- When water gets in, a strong burning sensation begins.
Nicoflex
Rating: 4.7
The next nominee in our review was the Hungarian warming ointment - Nicoflex. It contains 3 active ingredients: natural capsaicin, ethyl nicotinate, ethylene glycol salicylate. When this drug is applied locally, redness occurs on the skin and the temperature rises. The ointment is recommended for use by persons over 18 years of age, but some athletes use it at an earlier age.
Nicoflex is a homogeneous white ointment with a rather specific odor. The drug is sold in an aluminum tube of 50 g, which is additionally packaged in a cardboard box. It is important not to overuse the amount of ointment and ensure that the skin is dry and clean before application. For joint pathologies, it is used once a day for three days, and then switched to twice a day. This ointment can also warm up the muscles of athletes during a massage.
Nicoflex is praised by both athletes and people with various pathologies of muscles and joints. They like that this product perfectly warms up the muscles. Nicoflex is quickly absorbed by the skin without leaving a greasy or sticky residue. The ointment quickly relieves pain and helps cope with the inflammatory process. It is usually well tolerated, but sometimes it can provoke allergic rashes at the site of application.
Advantages
- natural capsaicin in the composition;
- absorbs quickly without a greasy residue;
- perfectly warms up the muscles;
- relieves pain, eliminates inflammation;
- can be used for treatment or prevention.
Flaws
- specific ointment aroma.
Nayatoks
Rating: 4.6
Vietnamese warming ointment Nayatox contains dry cobra venom, methyl salicylate, camphor, eucalyptus oil. This remedy irritates sensitive dermal receptors, which helps to dilate blood vessels and improve trophic processes in tissues. Nayatox is an excellent pain reliever. This ointment is used to treat adults and with great caution to treat children over 6 years of age.
Nayatox is a thick, smooth ointment. It is translucent, white with a slight yellowish tint and a specific odor. It is packaged in tin tubes in quantities of 20 g. The ointment is applied to the skin of pathological lesions once a day for 5-10 g. This is done gradually and the drug is gently rubbed in. For severe pain, Nayatox can be used in the morning and evening.
According to reviews, Nayatoks ointment warms and relieves pain very pleasantly. This effect will be enhanced if, after applying the product, you wrap the painful area. Its warming effect is moderate, but it distracts quite well. For severe pain in the musculoskeletal system, you may need to use this ointment for about 10 days to noticeably relieve the condition. Nayatox is usually well tolerated, but in isolated cases itching and rashes may appear at the site of application.
Advantages
- dry cobra venom in the composition;
- distributes and absorbs well;
- heats up moderately;
- mild analgesic effect.
Flaws
- the effect does not develop immediately;
- Itching and rashes may occur at the application site.
Apizartron
Rating: 4.5
Among the nominees in our review was also the German ointment Apizartron. It contains bee venom, which is enhanced with mustard oil extract and methyl salicylate. Thanks to the included components, this drug deeply warms the tissues, improves local blood circulation, relieves pain, and relieves inflammation. The ointment is suitable for adults and children over 12 years of age.
Apizartron ointment has an extremely homogeneous consistency. Its color is white, its smell is specific due to methyl salicylate. This medicine is sold in tubes of 20 or 50 g. It is recommended to distribute a strip of ointment (3-5 cm) evenly on the skin until a feeling of warmth and hyperemia appears. This usually takes 2-3 minutes. Then slowly rub it in until completely absorbed and wrap the area with a scarf.
Patients share that Apizartron relieves pain immediately after the initial use. And it completely gets rid of it in 4-5 days of therapy. The warming effect of this ointment is very pleasant. It can be used not only for treatment, but also for warming up muscles before, during and after sports training. However, some people are put off by the strong smell of this drug.
Advantages
- effective combined composition;
- pleasant consistency of the ointment;
- instantly eliminates pain;
- pleasant warming effect;
- can be used by athletes.
Flaws
- Some people are put off by the smell of the ointment.
Viprosal B
Rating: 4.4
The Latvian manufacturer Grindeks produces Viprosal V ointment. The main component of this product is dry viper venom. It is supplemented with camphor, turpentine and salicylic acid. The ointment has a local irritating effect and relieves pain. After its application, blood vessels dilate and trophic processes improve.
The texture of Viprosal B ointment is quite dense, but not greasy. Its color is absolutely white, its smell is specific. This remedy is suitable for treatment of persons over 12 years of age. When applying, the size of the pathological focus is taken into account, but usually no more than 5-10 g of ointment is used at a time. This warming ointment can be used morning and evening.
If we compare Viprosal B with Finalgon or Capsicam, then in terms of the warming effect it is clearly inferior to them. Nevertheless, it relieves pain quite effectively in combination with other drugs for neuralgia, arthralgia and myositis. According to reviews, this ointment spreads easily over the skin and is quickly absorbed. There is no risk of staining your clothes while using it.
Advantages
- viper venom in the composition;
- spreads easily and is quickly absorbed;
- when using it, clothes remain clean;
- moderate warming effect;
- relieves pain well.
Flaws
- Some people are bothered by the smell.
Dr. Theiss eucalyptus
Rating: 4.3
German ointment Dr. Theiss eucalyptus is a warming agent for other purposes. It contains the following active ingredients: eucalyptus and pine needle oil, as well as camphor. This remedy has anti-inflammatory, local irritant and expectorant effects. It is actively used in the treatment of bronchitis, pharyngitis and other respiratory tract pathologies. The ointment can be used from three years of age.
Dr. Theiss eucalyptus is a smooth ointment. It is translucent with a light yellow color and a specific odor. The ointment can be purchased in brown glass jars of 20 or 50 g. The product is applied to the skin of the back/chest and rubbed in by gentle massaging. After this, this place is insulated with a scarf. The manipulation is repeated 2-3 times a day.
Many people speak very highly of Dr. Theiss ointment. According to them, this remedy acts in two directions. It perfectly warms up the places where it was applied, and also emits the healing aroma of essential oils. With this ointment, both adults and children experience various cold symptoms much easier. This drug is usually well tolerated, but in rare cases it may cause allergic reactions or bronchospasm.
Advantages
- the composition is rich in natural ingredients;
- mild warming effect;
- pleasant aroma;
- effectively eliminates cold symptoms;
- Suitable for children from 3 years old.
Flaws
- Allergic reactions and bronchospasm are possible.
Doctor Mom Phyto
Rating: 4.2
Indian warming ointment Doctor Mom has many areas of application: symptomatic treatment of acute respiratory infections, pain in the back, head, and muscles. It contains 3 types of oil (eucalyptus, nutmeg, turpentine), levomenthol and camphor. It is approved for use from 3 years of age.
Doctor Mom Phyto is sold in plastic jars of 20. The ointment itself is translucent, almost white with a specific odor. The consistency is similar to Vaseline. If your muscles or back hurt, apply the ointment to this area. To achieve a better result, cover the pathological focus with a warm scarf. If headaches bother you, then the ointment is applied to the skin of the temporal region.
Doctor Mom Phyto ointment gives a mild warming effect. But at the same time, this remedy effectively eliminates pain in muscle fibers. It is used very economically. If you do not apply it to irritated skin, it does not sting. In action, this ointment is very similar to the “star”, but acts more delicately. It is usually well tolerated, but in rare cases it causes allergic reactions.
Advantages
- effective, natural composition;
- suitable for children from 3 years old;
- various fields of application;
- mild warming effect;
- economically used.
Flaws
- may occasionally provoke allergic reactions.
Active ingredients in sports ointments
Surprisingly, the list of active substances widely used in numerous sports ointments, creams and gels is not as wide as one might expect. I will give the main components:
- Methyl salicylate.
- Ketoprofen.
- Diclofenac.
- Ibuprofen.
- Indomethacin.
They all do the same thing - inhibiting cyclooxygenase. Don't let this tricky phrase confuse you. We are talking about reducing pain and inflammatory symptoms. Each active ingredient does this to varying degrees of effectiveness, but ultimately reduces pain.
Other substances can be found in sports products, the effect of which is to create irritating and distracting effects. I have already mentioned that higher nervous activity must be distracted from pain. Help with this:
- Bee venom.
- Snake poison.
- Mustard and pepper extract.
- Menthol.
- Camphor.
What are the components of the composition?
The active ingredients of such ointments usually have a local irritant effect. They should sharply or gently warm the painful area. Most often, the components of such products are of plant or animal origin (pepper extract, snake or bee venoms). Excipients may include the following:
- salicylates;
- NSAIDs (ketoprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, diclofenac);
- essential oils (mustard, eucalyptus, cloves);
- sap;
- turpentine;
- paraffin, petroleum jelly, glycerin.
The composition may also contain camphor and menthol. They have a cooling effect, so when exposed to the main active ingredients, the burning sensation is not so pronounced. Various manufacturers abroad and in Russia produce ointments with the above components. In our review we will look at the best of them.
When to use painkillers
The range of applications of pain-relieving ointments is very wide. They are used for:
- Arthritis and arthrosis.
- Damage to skin tissue.
- Osteochondrosis.
- For pain in the back, spine, neck.
- For bruises and sprains.
- Pain in the joints, in the lower back.
- For injuries.
- In case of damage to the calf muscles.
- In the event of severe pain syndromes.
I repeat, if we are talking about serious illnesses and injuries, then before using the product you should consult a doctor. If the drug is used to combat minor injuries resulting from sports exercises, then you can get advice from a trainer. You can also contact me through the feedback section.
How to choose an ointment or gel for muscle pain
The standard cause of muscle pain is inflammatory processes occurring in soft tissues. They can be caused by a variety of reasons, for example, excessive physical activity when playing sports. As a rule, pain appears some time after training.
The occurrence of severe pain may indicate severe inflammation. You should not remove it with warming ointments, because they can increase the pain. It is better to use cooling preparations containing menthol oil, analgesics, and essential oils.
Cooling medications have an analgesic effect and reduce swelling. Such drugs can be used immediately after injury. After the swelling has subsided or decreased, warming ointments can be used to further combat muscle pain.
Warming preparations are also used for preventive purposes. Before starting the workout, a certain amount of ointment is rubbed into the muscles and a warm-up is required.
However, you should not abuse medications. Before use, be sure to read the instructions and read the list of contraindications and possible side effects.
Why does pain occur?
In Soviet times, and even until the end of the 90s, the main reason causing discomfort in the muscles was the effect of lactic acid. According to the outdated opinion of scientists, lactate accumulated in the muscles and after 24-48 hours provoked a burning sensation.
This theory is now considered baseless. It has been established that lactic acid leaves the body within 40 minutes after the end of physical activity. This means that it cannot influence a person in any way after two days.
And the cause of sore throat is now considered to be microscopic injuries that occur in the muscles and connective tissue. There are many recovery methods, but we will choose pharmacological ones.
Contraindications for the use of ointments
The main contraindications are:
- Pregnancy.
- Lactation.
- Wounds, abrasions and other skin injuries.
- Skin diseases in the area where the drug is applied.
- Allergic reaction.
I would like to add that the drugs should not be used by children under 12 years of age. To treat young patients, a doctor’s consultation is required.
During pregnancy, you should refrain from using medications, although there are certain medications that can still be used under medical supervision.
Rating of the best warming ointments
Nomination | Place | Name | Price |
The best imported ointments | 1 | Finalgon | 330 ₽ |
2 | Capsicam | 312 ₽ | |
3 | Nicoflex | 250 ₽ | |
4 | Nayatoks | 176 ₽ | |
5 | Apizartron | 251 ₽ | |
6 | Viprosal B | 221 ₽ | |
7 | Dr. Theiss eucalyptus | 310 ₽ | |
8 | Doctor Mom Phyto | 146 ₽ | |
The best Russian ointments | 1 | Salvisar | 153 ₽ |
2 | Espaul | 180 ₽ | |
3 | Bom Benge | 37 ₽ | |
4 | Gavkamen | 51 ₽ |
Types of pain relieving ointments
Let's talk about the main types of pain relieving ointments. Each of them differs in the active ingredients included in the composition. The conditions of use also vary.
There are 5 main subgroups of ointments:
- Chondroprotectors.
- Based on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Based on capsaicin (warming, known for their “burning” effect).
- Cooling.
- Other drugs, including combination and homeopathic
Chondroprotectors
Used to quickly start the recovery process in damaged tissues. Slow down the aging of cartilage tissue by blocking the harmful effects of various enzymes. The active ingredient is chondroitin sulfate. Can be used for muscle pain, sprains, bruises, and to relieve inflammation.
Unfortunately, the effectiveness of chondroprotectors when used externally is not very high, since a small amount of the active substance is absorbed through the skin. It is better to use the drug in tablet form.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
NSAIDs include a very wide range of names that differ from each other in the active substance. The main component may be:
- Diclofenac.
- Ibuprofen.
- Indomethacin.
- Ketoprofen.
- Nimesulide.
- Piroxicam.
As a rule, NSAIDs are prescribed for the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The doctor selects the medications. The use of NSAIDs in the form of ointments can quickly relieve pain, reduce swelling, and increase the range of motion in the sore joint.
Warming up
This type is widely used in the elimination of pain. They quickly reduce swelling, restore blood supply to damaged tissues, and prevent the development and intensification of the inflammatory process. Effective for radiculitis, neuritis, myositis, problems with joints and ligaments.
They can be used for injuries, but the injured area must be cooled before applying it. This can be done either with a cooling ointment, or with a cold compressor or water. If you apply a warming ointment immediately after an injury, instead of providing relief, it can increase the pain and even lead to an increase in the area of damage.
The composition usually includes substances based on capsaicin (found in hot peppers). There is no need to rub the ointment into the sore spot. Just apply it to your skin and wait a few minutes for it to be absorbed.
Cooling
The demand for cooling ointments is explained by their ability to almost instantly relieve pain and associated discomfort. They do not physically cool the damaged area, but they do create that sensation. Contains essential oils, alcohol, menthol, analgesics.
As a rule, it is cooling ointments or gels that are used immediately after the first pain in the muscles appears. They are considered optimal as a quick pain reliever.
Homeopathic ointments
It is hardly correct to compare homeopathic medicines with medicines that have undergone clinical trials. However, the pharmacological action of many homeopathic ointments allows them to effectively and quickly relieve pain. The composition often includes essential oils, alcohol extracts from various plants and herbs.
Combined ointments
The advantage of combined drugs is that they have several effects at once. In addition to pain relief, ointments can have, for example, absorbable and thrombolytic effects.
The range of applications is quite wide. Combined drugs are used in the occurrence and development of inflammatory processes in muscles, in the treatment of neuralgia, closed wounds and bruises, and leg diseases. The disadvantage is the relatively large number of contraindications. Since there are several active ingredients, they can have different effects on the functioning of internal organs.
Areas of use
Ointments with a warming effect are used to treat pain in patients suffering from the following pathologies:
- changes in the cartilage of the intervertebral discs with reactive processes in the surrounding tissues;
- radiculopathy (damage to the spinal cord roots);
- sciatica (compression of the sciatic nerve);
- lumbago and lumbodynia;
- disorders of peripheral blood circulation;
- muscle pain.
Such drugs have also proven themselves well when used by athletes. They prevent pain during training.
Separate warming agents are used for massage, which is often included in the complex therapy of degenerative processes in the spinal column. Warming ointments are also used when the symptoms of underlying diseases subside. In case of exacerbation of the pathology, they are not used, as this can lead to increased pain.
How much ointment to apply, how and for how long to do it is determined taking into account the composition of the drug, indications and the general well-being of the patient. Such products cannot be used after hot water treatments or in conjunction with warming compresses. Ointments should be applied carefully and ensure that they do not get on the mucous membrane or irritated skin. After manipulations, you should wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
The most popular ointments
The number of items has long been in the hundreds, and the choice is determined, first of all, by the reasons that cause pain in the muscles. I have already mentioned that the cause is first determined, and only then treatment begins.
If we talk about drugs for athletes, the most popular warming drugs include:
- Capsicam.
- Nicoflex.
- Finalgon.
- Apizartron.
- Ben-Gay.
Coolants:
- Capilar.
- Venoruton-gel.
- Sports balm "42".
- Repaired.
Homeopathic medicines include:
- Namman Muay.
- Phong Thap Thu.
- Quick Fit.
However, homeopathy is a topic for a separate discussion, and if you need a guaranteed effect, it is better to pay attention to classic cooling and warming agents.
Cooling ointments for muscles and joints
Cooling ointments create a cooling effect. They do not lower the temperature in the literal sense of the word, but only create a feeling. In other words, they deceive our receptors. With a cooling effect, it is better to use gels rather than ointments. Gels are better absorbed and do not need to be rubbed, which is very important in the first days after an injury, when rubbing is contraindicated.
Unlike warming ointments, they are suitable for use immediately after an injury. Cooling gels will help relieve pain, prevent the development of hematomas and relieve swelling. Apply a thin layer of ointment (or better yet, gel) to the injured area, distribute evenly and allow to be absorbed. Do not rub the injured area in the first days after the injury!
Best Coolants
- Reparil-gel
- Venoruton-gel
- Capilar
- Gavkamen
- Sports gel-balm restoring “42”
Folk remedies
You can also prepare the medicine at home. Provided that you have all the auxiliary ingredients, there is nothing complicated about it. I will give just a small list of folk remedies:
- Horsetail ointment.
- Bay leaf medicine.
- Chamomile oil.
- Ointment on willow buds.
- Bodyagi ointment.
conclusions
Often ointments are the first drug with which treatment begins. Sports ointments are widely used not only by professional athletes, but also by people who regularly exercise in gyms, stadiums or at home.
Local medications quickly reduce pain, cool and subsequently warm the muscles, help the nervous system to distract from pain, remove swelling and trigger regenerative processes. Due to the nature of their use, they begin to have an effect on the affected area as quickly as possible and do not cause significant side effects.
That’s all for now, but in the following articles I will definitely tell you something important, useful and interesting.
What are the causes of leg pain?
Pain in the legs can bother even completely healthy people. There are a lot of factors that provoke them:
- increased physical activity associated with sports or work loads;
- injuries of various types: sports, household - bruises, sprains, torn ligaments, etc.;
- overweight;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- metabolic disorders in muscle tissue;
- diseases of the skeletal system: artiritis, arthrosis, osteoporosis, osteochondrosis, salt deposition, neuralgia, myositis, etc.
The prerequisites for muscle pain are damage to small vessels and increased capillary permeability. These processes disrupt blood flow and nutrition of tissues, and also slow down their recovery. Good creams and ointments help not only eliminate pain, but also normalize metabolism and increase blood flow.