Sports Section
Rub ons
All athletes from the time of the first
Olympics have occaisonally "pulled a muscle" or
"strained a ligament". One of the favorite treatments
for this condition has been the use of "rub ons". The
composition of the "rub ons" has varied from oils and
creams to thick ointments. Commonly menthol has been used, which
gives a very characteristic smell to the preparation. There is no
doubt that "rub ons" are effective temporary
symptomatic treatment, providing a counter irritant effect as
well as massage. Both effects will increase local circulation,
which in turn, helps promote healing. Interest has been high in
these preparations, and has made famous athletes pitchmen for
various products i.e. Joe Namath for "Flexall 454", and
Pete Rose for "Nature's Gel". Very few of the products
actually included something specific to ease pain. One older
product, "oil of wintergreen", did contain an
absorbable salicylate compound which was a first cousin to common
aspirin. If over applied this potentially could have acted as a
poison to the body. Because of this, even though it relieved pain
similiar to the way aspirin did, the medicine is no longer used.
We now have a newer "rub on" which contains
"capsaicin". Although the active ingredient is made
from pepper, it acts like a medicine, is safe if used as
directed, and scientifically has been shown to reduce pain by
blocking substance P. You do not need a doctors
prescription for these preparations and they may be purchased as
a cream (Zostrix) or roll on (Capscin). The next time your body
goes snap, crackle, or pop, give this latest "rub on" a
try.
Women are more prone than men to ACL injuries.
A great number of female athletes are tearing their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while playing sports. These tears occur in non-contact as well as contact sports, and have been reported in gymnastics, and cheerleading, as well as basketball and soccer. In snow sking ACL injuries occur up to 8 times more frequently in women than men. The ACL is located in the center of the knee and connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone). This ligament provides stability to the knee and prevents abnormal forward and backward knee motion. Those sports which require stopping quickly, cutting sharply, and landing with both feet planted, are most likely to cause the ACL to tear. A pop usually is heard as the tear occurs. Ski ACL injuries occur in a slightly different fashion. Once torn, the knee is abnormally loose, and may give way.
The anatomic differences between men and women cause women to be more prone to ACL injury. Their pelvis is wider, their hips are more flexible and more rotated, the lower leg is angled more toward the knee and turned inward, and the thigh muscles are less developed. All these differences make the knee more dependent on its ligaments for structural support. In women the ACL is smaller than in men, and therefore is not as well able as men to withstand the forces created by sports activities. Also in women hormonal levels at certain times in the menstrual cycle and low percentage of body fat, may make the knee ligaments more lax, and thus more prone to injury.
Research is ongoing to find the exact cause
for this problem.
Doctors from the University of Maryland are
recommending iron for older women. No, not iron supplements, but
iron pumping. They say weight training is a great way for older
women to get stronger, prevent bone disease and fractures, and
even lose weight. The study included a group of 67 year olds who
began weight training at a local physical fitness center. With
proper excercise techniques the women were able to increase their
upper body strength by 47 percent, and their lower body strength
by 66 percent...Step aside Arnold !
Rice for an ankle sprain
Ankle sprains are very common. Every day approximately 23,000
people develop this acute injury. Depending on the severity of
the injury, this could result in severe ankle pain and swelling.
If you cannot stand or bear weight, then you should visit an
emergency clinic for an x-ray to R/O fracture. Mild sprains can
be treated at home with rice. This old fashioned remedy is
effective and is called the rice method. This stands for Rest,
Ice, Compression, Elevation. A few
days after the injury you should avoid weight bearing. Ice may be
applied to persons with normal extremity circulation for 20
minutes and repeated every 2-3 hours. Wrapping the injured ankle
in an elastic bandage will keep the swelling down. Elevate the
ankle to a position higher than your heart, and this will also
help to reduce swelling. Keep your toes above your nose by lying
on a couch with your ankle propped up on a pillow. Normally it
takes 2-3 weeks for complete healing. By using the rice method,
pain and swelling will be greatly reduced in 2-3 days.