Top 5. Warming ointments for athletes

Sports ointments for bruises and sprains are used for the complex treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The soft dosage form allows you to achieve a uniform distribution of the active ingredients in the affected area.

When an injury occurs, small blood vessels are damaged and capillary permeability increases. The use of external treatment helps relieve pain in the affected area and eliminate the inflammatory process.

Types of ointments

Pharmacological features of warming ointments:

1. Increases blood supply to tissues. It is not recommended to use these ointments immediately after receiving sports injuries, since during this period it is important to cool the damaged area.
2. Used to prevent injuries due to excessive physical exertion. The product is used before starting a workout.
3. Act as local anesthetics. Muscle pain will not bother you during training if you rub the ointment for bruises and sprains with massage movements into the area that will be subjected to severe physical activity.

Cooling ointments have a number of medicinal properties:

1. They do not have an irritating effect, since their action is aimed at relieving tissue swelling. When using the ointment, a cooling sensation occurs due to the active components included in its composition: analgesics, essential oils and menthol.
2. Some products contain iodine, which helps eliminate the inflammatory process.

Doctors do not recommend rubbing in cooling ointments and gels when ligaments are torn to avoid tissue hyperemia. It is necessary to apply the product and wait until the cream is absorbed into the skin.

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”

Composition of drugs

Active ingredients included in ointments for athletes, which are used for sprains and other types of mechanical damage:

1. Methyl salicylate (aspirin) inhibits cyclooxygenase. This enzyme takes part in the development of the inflammatory process.
2. Ketoprofen performs a similar function to the component mentioned above.
3. Ibupophen is one of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
4. Indomethacin and diclofenac inhibit platelet aggregation.
5. Bee venom has an antibacterial effect, increases capillary permeability, reduces swelling, and helps restore motor function of joints. Has a number of side effects.
6. Pepper extract improves blood circulation processes.
7. Menthol has an analgesic effect, causing a slight tingling sensation in the affected area.
8. Camphor is a natural antiseptic.

List of funds

It is important to consider the list of recommended drugs, as well as existing indications and contraindications for use, possible side effects:

1. Analgos includes vasodilating components that activate metabolic processes and reduce muscle tone. Used in cases of muscle fiber damage and joint pain.
2. Apizartron increases the elasticity of connective tissue and improves blood circulation.
3. Ben-Gay is used to relieve fatigue after a grueling workout.
4. Vesima is a massage oil created on a plant basis. Can be used at home and during therapeutic massage by a specialist.
5. Bom-Benge has an anti-inflammatory effect.
6. Butadione is used to treat superficial thrombophlebitis of a traumatic nature (in sports medicine).
7. Bystrumgel. Ointment for sprains in case of damage to the joint-muscular system. If a dislocation is diagnosed, then this remedy will help cope with the consequences of the injury.
8. Venoruton-gel is also used for dislocations and bruises. Has an anesthetic effect. It is necessary to apply the gel to the affected area many times during the day, fixing such a compress with a bandage.
9. Voltaren Emulgel is used for soft tissue damage associated with physical activity.
10. Viparin is recommended for massage of the affected area.
11. Gevkamen contains clove essential oil, which helps dilate blood vessels and improve blood circulation in the subcutaneous tissue.
12. Heparin ointment eliminates swelling in a short time. A small amount of the product is enough to obtain the desired therapeutic effect.
13. Dolobene has an analgesic effect. The product contains heparin, which affects blood clotting processes.
14. Indovazin is widely used in the presence of hematomas, as it has a beneficial effect on circulatory processes.

People who are actively involved in sports should definitely consult with their doctor about which medications are best suited for each specific case.

How to choose the right ointment

When choosing a particular remedy, you need to take into account the individual characteristics of your body, in particular, intolerance to certain substances and sensitivity threshold.

The purpose for which the drug will be used should also be taken into account. If your priority is to increase muscle volume, then it is better to avoid ointments containing non-steroidal substances (such as methyl salicyate, ibuprofen), as they lead to a slowdown in the growth of muscle cells.

People who have diabetes or are prone to it are not recommended to use diclofenac, which, if used in excess, can interfere with insulin production.

In any case, before purchasing an ointment, you should carefully read its instructions. If you have allergic reactions, it is better to consult your doctor regarding the use of a particular substance.

Benefits of sports ointments

After reviewing the best products, it is important to understand why creams, gels and ointments have a highly effective therapeutic effect:

1. Double action. If you receive an injury, it is imperative and in a fairly short time to eliminate pain and swelling in order to avoid the formation of a hematoma with the subsequent development of the inflammatory process. Ointments for athletes with muscle strains are used to relieve pain. Painkillers in tablet form only help you forget about the pain for a while, while ointments act on the very cause of the discomfort. Therefore, the above drugs are used both for symptomatic treatment and to eliminate the cause of pain.
2. Few side effects. The active ingredients of ointments do not bind to plasma proteins, so there is no need to increase the dose to obtain the desired effect. Ointments do not cause problems with the digestive tract. The active components of gels and creams do not enter the systemic bloodstream or the amount of absorbed substances is safe for the body.
3. Convenience and ease of use. It is not necessary to follow a strict treatment regimen. The main thing is the absence of organic intolerance to the active substances.
4. Low price. Most of the above funds are affordable for the average Russian. Medicines can be bought without a doctor's prescription.

Allergy sufferers, as well as people susceptible to frequent diseases of various etiologies, should consult a specialist before starting therapeutic procedures using sports ointments.

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Warming ointments are a type of medicine that locally increases the temperature in the tissues and blood flow to them. They can also be used to achieve the following effects:

1. local pain relief;
2. reduction of swelling;
3. relieving spasms;
4. activation of blood circulation in muscle fibers;
5. reducing inflammation;
6. regeneration of damaged tissues.

Athletes use them to prevent injuries and sprains. Warming ointments are also indispensable in the complex therapy of patients with chronic inflammatory processes and other pathological changes affecting joints or ligaments. Our experts have compiled a rating of the best of them, which are produced by imported and domestic manufacturers.

Top 5 warming ointments

Pharmacies offer a large selection of warming ointments. However, according to reviews from athletes, the following have proven themselves to be the best warming ointments:

Nicoflex

The active ingredient is capsaicin.

Provides reduction of inflammatory processes and pain. Improves blood circulation. Provides gentle heating and has no pronounced odor. Can be used for pain in muscles and joints, for warming up before exercise, during the treatment of injuries and sprains.

Feature : hypoallergenic.

Cost – $6 (50 g).

Finalgon

The active ingredient is nonivamide, a synthetic alternative to capsaicin, and nicotinic acid.

Smells like lemon oil. Dilates blood vessels, causes blood flow to tissues. Suitable for relieving muscle pain, effective for neuralgia, lumbago, arthritis.

Feature – not suitable for people with highly sensitive skin.

Cost – $3.84 (20 g)

Capsicam

The active ingredient is nonivamide, dimethyl sulfoxide.

Contains benzyl nicotinate. Excipient – ​​camphor. Dilates blood vessels, relieves inflammation. Provides strong heating up to burning, has no odor. Eliminates pain in muscles and joints.

Feature – not recommended for people with hypersensitive skin.

Cost – $4.75 (50 g)

Viprosal

Active ingredient : snake venom, salicylic acid.

Reduces pain intensity. Suitable for injuries and sprains. Has the smell of camphor. Dilates blood vessels, relieves spasms and pain in muscles.

Price – $5.33 (50 g)

Apizartron

The active ingredient is bee venom.

Auxiliary components – isothiocyanate, methyl salicylate. Increases metabolism, blood flow to tissues, reduces muscle tension, and reduces pain. Recommended for use for bruises, bursitis, sciatica, arthritis, sprains, and inflammation. Can also be used as a sports ointment to warm up muscles before training or for running.

Feature : unpleasant aroma.

Cost : $4.24 (20 g).

It should be borne in mind that the effect of the first three ointments on the list is determined by the presence of natural alkaloids and their analogues; the last two products contain animal poison. Having chosen one drug for yourself, you should not experiment by combining it with another. This may have the opposite effect.

Rating of the best warming ointments

The best imported warming ointments

Imported manufacturers have succeeded in producing warming ointments. As the main active ingredients, they use pungent components that quickly penetrate into tissues (snake or bee venom, mustard or pepper extracts).

Nicoflex

The Hungarian combined ointment Nicoflex occupies the first position in the rating. It contains: natural capsaicin (capsicum alkaloid), ethyl nicotinate, hydroxyethyl salicylate. The listed substances cause prolonged dilation of superficial vessels in the area of ​​application, hyperthermia of the skin with a pronounced surge of heat.

This warming ointment is used for the treatment of adults and children from 12 years of age. From 6 to 12 years of age, the drug is used with caution. The product has proven itself in the treatment of bruises, sprains, myalgia, neuralgia, arthrosis and other pathologies of the musculoskeletal system. Apply the ointment to intact areas of the skin 1-2 times a day. First, wash the skin with warm water and soap and wipe dry.

According to reviews, Nicoflex has a specific but tolerable odor. The effect of the drug is delicate, even if you overdo it and squeeze out more than necessary. Our experts included this warming ointment in the rating of the best, since it has virtually no contraindications, is quickly absorbed, and does not leave a greasy residue. Along with the distracting effect, it is a good pain reliever and relieves inflammation.

Advantages

• absorbs quickly;
• heats up effectively;
• relieves pain;
• When used correctly, it does not cause side effects.

Flaws

• The kit does not include a spatula for application;
• specific smell.

Capsicam

The second position in the ranking is occupied by Kapsicam ointment, produced in Latvia. This combination drug contains 5 active ingredients: dimethyl sulfoxide, camphor, turpentine, benzyl nicotinate, nonivamide. This combination of substances has a vasodilating, irritating and warming effect.

Within 2-3 hours after application, the skin temperature rises by 1-2 °C. The pain disappears after 30-40 minutes. The analgesic effect lasts up to 3-6 hours. Capsicam is effective for muscle and joint pain, and is also used as a warming ointment for athletes. Some people use this product to combat cellulite. It is not used to treat children.

Reviews about Capsicam ointment are mostly positive. Despite the specific smell, patients praise it very much for its effectiveness. This ointment is deservedly in the ranking of the best, because due to its warming effect it helps solve many problems of the musculoskeletal system. For convenience, the manufacturer has included a special applicator for application.

Advantages

• the warming effect lasts 5-6 hours;
• eliminates muscle and joint pain;
• There is an applicator included.

Flaws

• specific smell of camphor and turpentine.

Finalgon

The next place in the ranking is given to the German ointment Finalgon. It contains 2 active components: nonivamide (a synthetic analogue of capsaicin) and nicoboxil. Both substances complement each other's action. The appearance of hyperemia and a local increase in temperature 2-3 minutes after application indicates that the active components quickly penetrate the skin.

The maximum effect of Finalgon develops 20-30 minutes after application. This ointment can be used from the age of 18 after preliminary testing on a small area of ​​skin to determine its tolerance. When applying for medicinal purposes, it is important not to overdo it, otherwise it may cause a burn to the skin. If there is any damage to the integrity of the skin, it is wise to avoid using Finalgon.

Patients in the reviews note that it is best to apply the ointment using the applicator offered by the manufacturer. The product is almost transparent and has a uniform consistency. Our experts included this ointment in the rating of the best because it guarantees long and deep heating and does not have a repulsive odor. But they make a reservation that the product will be effective and safe only if the patient learns to use it correctly.

Advantages

• successful combination of synthetic components;
• fast action;
• deep and prolonged warming;
• light pleasant fragrance;
• Wide range of applications.

Flaws

• If you use too much product, you can get a chemical burn.

Viprosal B

Latvian ointment Viprosal B occupies fourth position in the ranking. The drug contains: viper venom, camphor, turpentine, salicylic acid. This remedy irritates sensitive receptors in the skin and subcutaneous tissue, dilates blood vessels, and improves tissue trophism. Viprosal B is used for neuralgia, arthralgia or myositis.

The ointment is used externally in adults and children over 12 years of age. The drug is dosed in teaspoons - 1-2 pieces correspond to 5-10 g. They are guided by the size of the pathological focus. The ointment is rubbed into the skin 1-2 times a day, taking into account the intensity of the pain syndrome. Continue applying the product until complete recovery.

According to reviews, Viprosal B, unlike Capsicam or Finalgon, does not heat up much. This product warms slightly, but turns out to be quite effective. Viprosal B ointment deserves to be in the ranking of the best, because it is perfectly absorbed without staining clothes, and its warming effect is moderate, but the pain goes away after just a few days of use.

Advantages

• product of natural origin;
• has an analgesic effect;
• heats up moderately;
• absorbs quickly.

Flaws

• Allergy development is possible.

Apizartron

The German ointment Apizartron is located in the next position in the ranking. The drug contains 3 main components: bee venom, methyl salicylate, allyl isothiocyanate (mustard oil extract). The last component causes deep heating of tissues and improves local blood circulation. In general, the drug relieves pain and relieves inflammation.

A strip of ointment (length 3-5 cm) is squeezed onto the pathological focus, distributed evenly and waited for 2-3 minutes until a surge of warmth and redness appears. After this, the ointment is not quickly, but intensively rubbed into the skin. To enhance the effect, wrap a scarf over the treated area. Use Apizartron 2-3 times a day until the symptoms completely disappear, but not longer than 10 days in a row.

Composition and main active ingredients of warming ointments

Since the main task of these drugs is hyperthermia, they contain burning substances that quickly penetrate the tissue. Such components are of animal or plant origin. In particular:

• snake poison
• Bee venom
• Mustard and pepper extracts

Such substances have a warming effect, which is necessary to prepare muscles for heavy loads. The following are auxiliary means:

• Eucalyptus, mustard, fir oils
• Petrolatum
• Paraffin
• Glycerol
• Ibuprofen
• Diclofenac

Such components have an analgesic and antiseptic effect, reduce the degree of inflammation, and help in the healing process. A warming ointment containing only synthetic substances cannot provide such a high degree of penetration as natural-based preparations. It causes the skin to warm up to a greater extent.

The best Russian warming ointments

Domestic manufacturers are also keeping up with the production of warming ointments. Some of them do not lose their relevance along with more expensive imported analogues.

Espaul

The Nizhny Novgorod Chemical and Pharmaceutical Plant produces Espol ointment, which is in first place in the ranking. The drug contains the following active ingredients: thick extract of capsicum, essential oils of lavender and coriander, dimethyl sulfoxide, chloroform. Espol has a local irritating effect and is also a good analgesic.

When rubbing the ointment in 10-15 minutes, hyperemia appears with a feeling of warmth. The drug has proven itself well for bruises, sprains, myositis, neuralgia and various diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The ointment is approved for use in the treatment of adults and children over 2 years of age. Lightly rub in 2-3 g of ointment 2-3 times a day. The effect is enhanced by applying a dry warming bandage.

In reviews, patients praise Espol for its effectiveness, but complain that the ointment leaves marks on clothes. The drug deserves to be included in the ranking of the best because it has a natural composition, when applied correctly, has a delicate warming effect and in a matter of days eliminates the problems that prompted the use of this product.

Advantages

• herbal components in the composition;
• tolerable peppery odor;
• warms up well;
• relieves pain and reduces inflammation.

Flaws

• leaves marks on clothes.

Salvisar

The second position in the ranking is occupied by Salvisar ointment. This is a Russian analogue of Viprosal V. The drug contains active ingredients: viper venom, salicylic acid, camphor and turpentine. Causes irritation of sensitive receptors of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, dilates blood vessels, improves cellular nutrition of tissues. The drug warms up and relieves pain.

It is used for diseases of the musculoskeletal system or peripheral nervous system, which are accompanied by severe pain. 5-10 g of ointment is applied at a time, depending on the size of the pathological focus. Rub the medicine once a day, and in case of severe pain, repeat the procedure twice.

According to reviews, Salvisar is in no way inferior to Viprosal B, but is pleasantly pleased with the price. Its warming effect is quite mild, and the elimination of pain is beyond praise. Our experts included Salvisar in the rating because its composition is of natural origin, the ointment acts quickly and does not cause adverse reactions, with the exception of possible allergies.

Advantages

• natural ingredients;
• moderate heating;
• relieves pain and relieves inflammation;
• does not cause side effects.

Flaws

• greasy, poorly absorbed.

Bom-benge

In third place in the ranking was Bom-Benge ointment. This time-tested product contains 2 active ingredients: methyl salicylate and racemic menthol. Under the influence of the ointment, vasodilation occurs. The initial cooling sensation is replaced by a slight burning and tingling sensation. And over time, pain relief develops.

Main indications for use: arthralgia, myalgia associated with sports, pain due to pathologies of periarticular tissues, radiculitis. A single dose for adults is 2-4 g of ointment, and for children 12-18 years old - 1-3 g. It is applied to the pathological lesion and gently rubbed. If necessary, the manipulation is repeated 2-3 times a day.