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Medical

Training for a Marathon? Beware These Injuries (Part 2)

by Tom Musbach on June 13, 2012

in Health,Medical

Running your first marathon is a thrilling accomplishment, but the training can involve unexpected aches and pains to your joints, tendons, and muscles.

Man jogging in a park. (Photo: Flickr/Elvert Barnes)

(Photo: Flickr/Elvert Barnes)

The doctors on JustAnswer frequently address marathon-related injuries. In the second of this two-part series, we focus on lower leg injuries. Below are two common ailments described by runners in training, followed by information and tips from the doctors.

Shin splints

“I have strained the muscle on the anterior tibialis due to training for the marathon. Any advice and how long I can expect to be out for?”

Dr. Mark: What you are describing is likely the overuse injury known as “shin splints.”

And really the best way to recover is to continue to exercise, but not the type that would stress this particular muscle. Also:

  • Over-the-counter pain medications, like ibuprofen or aspirin, are helpful.
  • Icing and wrapping the shin is helpful.
  • Stretching before and after exercise is important.

Gradually increasing your exercise back after a couple of weeks to your normal level over a couple of months is recommended. Running in the water during recovery is also good advice.

Painful knees

“I’m training for my first marathon, and all of this running has caused some trouble for my left knee. It doesn’t hurt so much to run on it, but it’s sore afterwards, particularly going down stairs. It is sore just below the kneecap, and it hurts to kneel on it.”

Dr. Singh: Some possible causes for your symptoms are bursitis, inflammation or injury of the knee ligaments or tendons, and arthritis. I would recommend applying warm compresses to the knee 2-3 times a day. Continue using knee brace as often as needed.

If symptoms persist, you may need an X-ray of the knee for evaluation. You may also benefit from physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee joint.

The input from the physicians above should help you to continue training successfully for your first marathon. Good luck!

Read the first part of this marathon-training series, focusing on common foot problems.

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The Essential Steps for Treating Sunburn Pain

by Tom Musbach on June 1, 2012

in Health,Medical

Sunburn is an unavoidable fact for most of us during the summer. Try as you might to avoid it, sometimes you miss a spot with your sunscreen or forget to apply it for a short stint outdoors.

Woman showing sunburn lines on her upper back. (Photo: Flickr/Kelly Sue)

The lines tell it all. (Photo: Flickr/Kelly Sue)

The dangers of exposure to sunlight go far beyond the pain of sunburn, of course. But on those occasions you forget sunscreen and have to endure the redness and discomfort, here are some helpful tips provided by experts on JustAnswer.

Limit damage to the skin

“Unfortunately, there is no fast-fix sunburn treatment,” said Deborah J., a nurse on JustAnswer. “Once sunburn occurs, you can’t do much to limit damage to your skin.” Her suggestions:

  • Apply cold compresses. Use a towel dampened with cool tap water and apply it to the affected skin. Or take a cool bath.
  • Moisturize. Apply a moisturizing cream, aloe gel, or 1% hydrocortisone cream to the affected skin.

“As the skin heals, apply lotion generously several times a day,” said Dr. Anthony Bray. “This should help with the peeling and drying.”

He also recommends Water-Jel burn gel or Solarcaine. Both have a topical ingredient to give some anesthesia to the area applied.

What to do about blisters

Blisters may form four to six hours after exposure to sun. If this happens, do not break the blisters.

“They contain your natural body fluid (serum) and are a protective layer,” said Deborah J. “Also, breaking blisters slows the healing process and increases the risk of infection. If needed, you can lightly cover blisters with gauze.”

If the blisters begin to break, apply an antibacterial ointment, said Mel D., also a nurse and expert on JustAnswer. “This will help keep infection from developing.”

Watch out for severe sunburn

Severe sunburn may require professional medical care. See a doctor if:

  • Severe sunburn covers a large portion of your body with blisters.
  • Sunburn is accompanied by a high fever or extreme pain.
  • Severe sunburn doesn’t respond to at-home care within a few days.

Of course, the best ways to enjoy the outdoors with minimal sunburn pain are to limit exposure to the sun and apply sunscreen liberally.

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7 Ways to Relieve Acid Reflux

March 26, 2012

Acid reflux is a common and uncomfortable digestive condition that most people can manage through lifestyle changes and over-the-counter remedies. Heartburn is a symptom that often comes with acid reflux, and it’s caused by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus. When this happens frequently over a long period of time, doctors refer to the [...]

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What Is Gout, and How Is It Treated?

February 22, 2012

Daily Question is excerpted from the JustAnswer archives and features information provided from an Expert on JustAnswer: Q: What is gout, and how is it treated? A: Gout is a disease or inflammation of joints which results from formation of crystals in the joint or deposition in soft tissues. These crystals develop from increased uric [...]

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What Medicines Don’t Mix Well with Grapefruit?

February 9, 2012

Daily Question marks National Grapefruit Month with this excerpt from the JustAnswer archives: Q: What disadvantage is there in eating grapefruit? A: Grapefruit has interactions with many medications that can cause dangerous effects. Following are the medications that can have adverse interactions with grapefruit: 1) Nifedipine, nimodipine, nisoldipine 2) Simvastatin, lovastatin, atorvastatin 3) Amiodarone 4) [...]

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