Article: Coping With Aches and Pains

Coping with Aches and Pains

Aches and Pains

On the course or the court, aches and pains interrupt the simple pleasure of any sport. No gain without the pain is not always the case.

With all the possible aches and pains that may accompany sports activity, how do you cope?

Other than turning to chemical based drug store remedies to soothe or prevent cramps and spasms as well as aches and pains, what can you do to help yourself -- naturally.

If playing well is your goal, you may find that gaining more insight to nourishing your muscles can make a significant difference in how you perform. Furthermore, if you learn a little more about what your body is telling you and use the information in this article wisely, your game may improve without pain or the cramping of your style.

Muscles, Bones, and Joints

Knowledge of natural remedies for muscle cramps, spasms, strains and sprains can make you a winner. Having a basic understanding of how to care for your muscles, bones and joints will help you endure the rigors of your sport.

The bones of the body are held together and assisted in their movement by muscles, ligaments and tendons. Muscles consist of fibrous tissue. If stretched in an undesirable manner tendonitis, more frequently referred to as tennis elbow may occur.

Dislocation of joints and muscle cramps and sprains can without a doubt severely limit your playing ability. Nourish the muscles well for their efficient and comfortable use and injury prevention.

Various chemicals in the body, along with proper blood circulation and oxygen are also necessary in the correct amounts for optimum insurance against cramps and spasms.

Cramps and Spasms

As children, we learned that it is important to refrain from exercising soon after a meal to avoid cramps and spasms. If we don't allow the necessary digestive functions to take place, our bodies fight back with cramps and spasms. They are your body's message to you to stop your game or exercise.

Your body instructs you. If you don't listen, you lose. So please, the next time you gulp your food before a game, think again. Also, if you plan to exercise, enter the court or stroll onto the course after a strenuous work day, be careful, because your muscles may be cold and tired which is an invitation to the ball of knots cramping effect of the legs and feet.

In most cases cramps are not harmful to your body even though you may feel like screaming with pain. If you get a leg, foot or toe cramp, massage the area lightly to increase blood circulation and muscle relaxation.

Apply a warm compress. An extract of the botanical, Arnica montana (found in your local health food store) rubbed onto the area of pain may provide a great deal of relief. Also, soaking your feet in warm water and Epsom salts is a common remedy you may want to try.

In most cases, 400 I.U. of Vitamin E per day may relieve muscular cramping. Check the ingredients of Vitamin E; d' alpha tocopherol is the natural form, while dl' alpha tocopheryl is synthetic and does not have the beneficial absorption quality or action as the natural form.

A word of advice, Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin and should not be taken in daily doses of more than 600 I.U. unless you do so with the guidance of a nutritionally oriented doctor.

Sprains and Strains

Without warm-up exercises before your game or exercise regimen, the quick jolting and twisting of muscles can cause painful sprains and strains. Swelling and bruising can immobilize those affected areas and hide the deeper injuries.

If on the following day pain intensifies, or if a pins and needles sensation occurs, call your physician. Also, call your physician if an inability to move the affected area develops; or if a bone fracture or dislocation of a joint is possible.

Whenever severe pain persists, do not waste time, request the guidance of your physician. Alternating hot and cold water during a shower increases blood circulation for fast healing.

Consume plenty of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables and whole grain products to purify and build healthy muscle tissue. To assist in the purification and building of muscle tissue and to regain strength, avoid refined foods such as white bread, white sugar, artificial additives and preservatives, heavy animal protein and yeasted products that all weaken the body.

Prevention is the key to a successful game and efficient exercise. Toning up your body before heading to the court, course or gym will assist you in preventing injury and will contribute to better muscle tone.

Remember -- improve your body to improve your game -- without the pain.

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