I've just joined the track team at my highschool, and after the first few days of practice my legs are so sore that I can barely walk. I know that after a few weeks it will get better, but is there any suggestions you have for me to soothe my muscles???
2007-03-08 14:34:41 · 6 answers · asked by cait 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
warm up your muscles really well before practice; stretch both before AND after practice AND at least once before you go to bed (maybe after dinner, and then right before bed); ibuprofen (motrin, advil) always helps my soreness; heating pads or hot showers will help relax the muscles and make them less sore. Believe me, I know how you're feeling! I just recently started training for a half marathon and I am also having trouble walking!
2007-03-08 14:40:07 · answer #1 · answered by SwimnLaur03 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Much pain is from muscles below is an example of what may help (based on headaches).
Begin with a couple swigs of molasses or a couple of bananas (natural muscle relaxers) daily - magnesium (which regulates many things in the body) and potassium (a needed building block for muscles).
Drink at least 1/2 gallons of water per day. Running a body low on water is like running a car low on oil is the analogy the head of neurology at UCDavis told my husband about 10 years ago.
Now to the cause - muscles - your back, neck shoulders and head have tender spots. They are knots in the fibers of the muscles called trigger points. It makes the muscles tight which makes them press on nerves and other things causing the pain.
The cure - start with a professional massage, (if this does not do it you probably need a chiropractor as well) you will also want to go back over any place you can get to 6-12 times per session up to 6 times per day rubbing (or lightly scratching on your head) every where that is tender until the knots go away. The place where the skull connects to the spine press up under the edge of the skull (to get to those muscles).
For more information read The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Davies. It teaches what to do and where the pain comes from.
2007-03-09 00:43:10 · answer #2 · answered by Keko 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Much of that muscle pain is caused by the inflammatory response that occurs after a strenuous workout. Our muscles actually experience small tears that repair themselves with more connective tissue to make them stronger. These tears start the inflammatory repsonse. Moist heat will increase circulation to the areas to flush out the inflammatory waste products. Try a hot shower or bath before practice...followed by a nice gentle warm up...walking or light jog.
It will get better as you get more conditioned.
2007-03-09 22:44:49 · answer #3 · answered by mistify 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What Keko suggests is actually pretty good. There's not a great solution to sore muscles caused by overexertion. Her tips are good.
I don't think you can get to the area of the skull she was suggesting though and since there are major nerves, arteries, and sensitive muscles/ligaments there, it'd be best for a trained chiropractic physician to take care of those things.
The biggest factor in my opinion to help is to drink copious amounts of water, calcium citrate, and potassium. Your urine should be clear. if it's not, you may be dehydrated which will slow down the healing.
Best wishes.
Don't forget to chose a "best answer"
2007-03-09 02:08:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
stretch alot before and after. Also ice down and reheat and take a shower. But as soon as your done stretching when your done with track practice you should ice your body down ( id suggest 20 mintues on 20 off...do the other leg or ankle on the off peroids)
and of course you can always take anti inflatories like IBprofin.
2007-03-08 23:21:01 · answer #5 · answered by matthew 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
warm bath to soak maybe? Ibuprofen may help too.
2007-03-08 23:22:08 · answer #6 · answered by same girl/new name :) 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋