Good Pain, Bad Pain

Continued...

Use ice after your workout, applying it directly to the painful area. You can use it two or three times durining the day, but don't use it for more than 15 - 20 minutes at a time because you may damage the tissue. If you feel your tendinitis is not improving, change your workouts so they don't involve the painful area.

Tendinitis isn't the only type of bad pain that can develop in or near the joint. Sharp pain may also indicate damage to cartilage, the cushion between the bone surfaces of a joint, or to a ligament, the tissue that connects bone to bone. Any acute pain that causes you to alter your running or other normal activity motion is a good reason to stop and make an appointment with your sports medicine doctor.

If pain develops right on or in the bone or joint line, you should see a physician for a complete workup. if the pain has no direct cause, such as a fall or a blow; you may be developing a stress fracture. Pain along the shinbone (shin splints) is a symptom of a variety of injuries, some of which may require surgery.

Stress fractures are microfractures of the bone due to overuse. They can become a complete fracture and can develop in many different areas, including the foot, leg, hip and spine. If you have a stress fracture and don't get treatment, you may develop a lifelong problem.

You can take steps to prevent good pain from becoming bad pain. Improper technique, equipment and training are major causes of injury To minimize your risk, seek help from a reliable coach, trainer or physical therapist.

Warning Signs

Seek immediate diagnosis from a physician in the following cases:

• Your pain does not go away in 12 to 48 hours after ice treatments, rest and gentle stretching.
• Your pain is sharp.
• Your pain is localized in the joint, not the muscles surrounding it.
• Your pain limits your motion
• Your pain is accompanied by numbness, weakness or swelling in the joint.

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About the authors: Carol L. Otis, M.D., is Chief Medical Advisor to the Sanex WTA and UCLA student health physician. Roger Goldingay is a former professional soccer player. They are married and the co-authors of The Athletic Woman's Survival Guide.

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Foreword: Billie Jean King

Comments by Barb Harris
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