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Sunday, August 03, 2008

Painkillers and magic sprays/gels

I developed a backache yesterday afternoon (thankfully it had nothing to do with running), while doing some cleaning and rearrangement at home. This is the second time I have had this backache, the first was when I was trying to lift a box which was about 20kgs plus. On both occasions it was the technique which was faulty and not the work or weight. Yesterday, I kept my legs straight and bent from my waist while doing work and rearranging things, instead of bending my knees and doing it.

I usually try to avoid using painkillers and magic spray as they don't really cure much and give one false sense of relief. Its especially dangerous to use these when one is training, as they tend to hide pain/injury and one tends to push the body, when it actually needs rest. So I rested the whole of Saturday, with little bit of stretching and then waited till Sunday morning to decide on my ability to undertake the run (had it been a running related injury, I would have taken an additional day of rest). I also believe that one should not take any painkillers/sprays during a race or before a race as a precautionary measure (it somehow feels like cheating). The only time I have ever used sprays was during my first Ultra, not sure if they were very useful as they provide only temporary relief & when it wears off, the pain/cramp/injury becomes unmanageable.

4 comments:

Guru said...

Hey, it's a good thing that you try to avoid painkillers and stuff like that. I believe in the same thing. Usually i try to get rid of such things by stretching, massage, icing etc... although we should know what to do at what instance ...

Anonymous said...

Prevention is better than cure. Pick things up by bending your knees. Its a small thing to do but a large price to pay if you don't...

@GirishMallya said...

Totally agree with you Guru.

Yes, GM need to follow it. Will be careful next time around.

Hormaz said...

Hi,
I would like to add here is that, during your training period a nice oil massage for your feet really helps. Most athletes prefer foot massages as it eases out tension in your muscles and reduces stiffness to a large extent..
I suggest try this remedy instead of any medicines/sprays. cheers!