Sports Medicine
A Crucial Period
Good Pain, Bad Pain
On Your Knees
Secondary Injuries
Imaging Technology
What's Sciatica?
The Female Athlete
Putting Your Feet First
Itis Schmitis
Too Much, Too Soon
Under the Influence
Twisted
What's Goin' On?
Think Inches, Not Pounds
Preventing Vaginitis
That Painful Pull
Athlete's Heart
Exercise & Arthritis
Chilled to the Bone
Measuring Body Fat
Exercise and Your Breasts
Choosing a Sports Doctor
Lean on Me (Shoulder)
Exercise & Anemia
Exercise Abuse
Pelvis Sighting
Hand Aid
It's All in the Wrist
Back in Action
Altitude Adjustment
Tennis Elbow, Anyone?
Exercising in the Heat
Agony of the Feet
Restless Legs
Night Time Cramps
Birth Control Concerns
No Periods, No Babies?
Post Partum Prescription
Weight Loss Mystery
Undesirable Cooldown
To Brew Or Not To Brew
Fitness After Baby
Biking and Back Pain
Swimmer's Shoulder
A Hidden Athlete
Avoiding Osteoporosis
Drug Testing
Maximum Heart Rate
Headway Against Headaches
Torn Rotator Cuff
Fat Figures
SOS About PMS
Bloody Urine
Sag Story
Lackluster Leg
Bothersome Bulge
Gaining in Years
Taking It On the Shin
Aching Ankles
Hoop Help
Tender Toes
Meals For Muscle
Growing Pains
Hot Tips
High Altitude PMS
Personal Bests
Air Pollution
Ankle Blues
Heartbreak Heel
Yeast Relief



Good Pain, Bad Pain

Continued...

The soreness is a result of the teardown process. When the muscle repairs and rebuilds itself in four to 48 hours, it comes back bigger and stronger. However; as with urban renewal, if you tear down too much, you won't have anything to rebuild. This is the process of overuse - the major cause of most injuries. So remember not to increase the duration and intensity of your workout on the same day.

Don't forget to stretch as part of your cool-down, holding each stretch for at least 30 seconds without bouncing.

Bad Pain

Muscle joins tendon, the fibrous tissue that anchors muscle to bone. Sore muscles are part of the muscle-strengthening process, but sore tendons aren't. There's a fine line between the two types of pain. Tendinitis, inflammation of the tendon, is much more difficult to heal than a sore muscle is. It is more likely to develop into a chronic problem that may permanently affect your exercise program. Do not exercise day after day with a pain that won't go away.

Tendinitis usually but not always, develops closer to joints than does muscle pain. The pain is typically sharp, burning and/or localized near the joint. Tendons that commonly become inflamed are the Achilles tendon (at the heel), patellar tendon (above and below the kneecap), iliotibial band (the side of the knee to the side of the hip), lateral epicondyle (elbow) and the rotator cuff (shoulder). These tendons can tear and require surgery to repair. The results usually are not as good as the original equipment, so early treatment to avoid surgery is all the more important.

Treat tendinitis with ice (15 minutes two or three times a day), rest, gentle stretching and anti-inflammatory medication, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. See a sports medicine doctor for an accurate diagnosis and specific treatment. She can prescribe stronger anti-inflammatory drugs than you can buy over the counter. Because effects vary in people, ask your doctor for a new prescription if your first doesn't work.

Ice is very effective in reducing the pain and inflammation associated with tendinitis. When should you use it?

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Table of Contents

Foreword: Billie Jean King

Comments by Barb Harris
Editor in Chief,
Shape Magazine



General Health
Nutrition
Exercise
Common Medical Problems
Dental Health
Emergency!
Infectious Disease
Sexual Health
Emotional Well-Being
Eating Disorders
Alcohol & Other Drugs
Environmental Health
Prevention


The information in this web site is for educational purposes only and is not providing medical or professional advice. It should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. If you have or suspect you might have any health problems, you should consult a physician.


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