What are the most effective treatments for athlete’s foot. How can over-the-counter medications help with athlete’s foot symptoms. Which natural remedies show promise in treating fungal foot infections. How can proper foot hygiene prevent and manage athlete’s foot.

Understanding Athlete’s Foot: Causes and Symptoms

Athlete’s foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. It’s caused by various types of fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments. These fungi can easily spread in communal areas like locker rooms, swimming pools, and shared showers, hence the name “athlete’s foot.”

The primary symptoms of athlete’s foot include:

• Itching, burning, and stinging between the toes or on the soles of the feet
• Redness and scaling of the skin
• Cracking and peeling of the skin, especially between the toes and on the soles
• In some cases, blisters may form

Is athlete’s foot contagious? Yes, it can spread through direct contact with an infected person or by touching contaminated surfaces. This is why proper foot hygiene and preventive measures are crucial in managing and avoiding the condition.

Over-the-Counter Antifungal Treatments: Your First Line of Defense

For most cases of athlete’s foot, over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal products are the primary treatment option. These medications come in various forms, including:

• Creams
• Powders
• Sprays
• Gels
• Lotions

How do these OTC antifungal treatments work? They contain active ingredients that target and eliminate the fungi causing the infection. Some common antifungal agents found in these products include:

• Terbinafine
• Clotrimazole
• Miconazole
• Tolnaftate

When using OTC antifungal treatments, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully. Generally, you should apply the product to clean, dry feet once or twice daily. Continue the treatment for 1-2 weeks after the symptoms have cleared to prevent recurrence.

The Importance of Proper Foot Hygiene in Treating Athlete’s Foot

While antifungal treatments are crucial, maintaining good foot hygiene is equally important in managing athlete’s foot. Here are some essential hygiene practices to incorporate into your daily routine:

1. Wash your feet thoroughly with soap and water at least twice daily, especially between the toes.
2. Dry your feet completely after washing, paying extra attention to the spaces between your toes.
3. Wear clean, moisture-wicking socks made of synthetic materials rather than cotton.
4. Change your socks daily or more frequently if your feet tend to sweat a lot.
5. Alternate between different pairs of shoes to allow them to dry completely between uses.
6. Wear sandals or other open-toed footwear when possible to allow your feet to breathe.
7. Use antifungal powder in your shoes to help keep them dry and prevent fungal growth.

How often should you change your socks when dealing with athlete’s foot? Ideally, you should change your socks at least once a day, or more frequently if your feet tend to sweat excessively. This helps keep your feet dry and reduces the environment in which fungi thrive.

Natural Remedies for Athlete’s Foot: Exploring Alternative Options

While OTC antifungal treatments are the most common and scientifically proven method for treating athlete’s foot, some natural remedies have shown promise in managing the condition. It’s important to note that these remedies may not work for everyone and should be used with caution.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil, derived from the leaves of the Australian tea tree, has known antifungal and antibacterial properties. Some studies suggest that applying diluted tea tree oil to the affected area twice daily may help reduce the symptoms of athlete’s foot.

Bitter Orange Oil

Extracted from the peel of bitter oranges, this oil has been used in traditional medicine for its antifungal properties. Research indicates that a diluted solution of bitter orange oil applied three times daily may help clear up fungal infections like athlete’s foot.

Garlic-Derived Ajoene

Ajoene, a compound found in garlic, has shown potential in treating athlete’s foot. Studies suggest that applying ajoene gel to the affected area once daily may help alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrence.

Green Tea Foot Soak

The polyphenols in green tea have antifungal properties. Soaking your feet in lukewarm green tea may help reduce peeling and redness associated with athlete’s foot, although more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in eliminating the fungus.

Are natural remedies as effective as OTC antifungal treatments for athlete’s foot? While some natural remedies show promise, they generally haven’t been studied as extensively as OTC treatments. It’s best to consult with a healthcare professional before relying solely on natural remedies, especially for persistent or severe cases of athlete’s foot.

When to Seek Professional Medical Treatment for Athlete’s Foot

While most cases of athlete’s foot can be successfully treated with OTC medications and proper hygiene, there are instances when professional medical treatment is necessary. You should consult a healthcare provider if:

• Your symptoms don’t improve after two weeks of self-treatment
• The infection appears to be spreading to other parts of your body
• You develop a fever or other signs of a secondary bacterial infection
• You have diabetes or a weakened immune system
• The infection is causing significant pain or discomfort

A healthcare provider may prescribe stronger antifungal medications, either topical or oral, depending on the severity of your condition. They may also perform tests to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other potential skin conditions.

Preventing Athlete’s Foot: Proactive Measures for Foot Health

Prevention is key when it comes to athlete’s foot. By adopting certain habits and practices, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing this fungal infection. Here are some effective preventive measures:

• Keep your feet clean and dry, especially between the toes
• Wear shower shoes or sandals in public areas like locker rooms, swimming pools, and shared showers
• Don’t share towels, socks, or shoes with others
• Choose breathable footwear made of materials like leather or canvas
• Use an antifungal powder in your shoes regularly
• Trim your toenails regularly to prevent moisture and debris from accumulating
• Avoid walking barefoot in public areas

How often should you replace your athletic shoes to prevent athlete’s foot? It’s generally recommended to replace athletic shoes every 300-500 miles of use or every 6-8 months, whichever comes first. This helps ensure that your shoes maintain proper support and ventilation, reducing the risk of fungal growth.

The Role of Proper Footwear in Managing Athlete’s Foot

Choosing the right footwear is crucial in both preventing and managing athlete’s foot. Here are some key considerations when selecting shoes:

1. Breathability: Opt for shoes made of breathable materials like leather or mesh that allow air circulation.
2. Fit: Ensure your shoes fit properly, with enough room for your toes to move freely.
3. Moisture-wicking: Look for shoes with moisture-wicking properties to keep your feet dry.
4. Alternation: Rotate between different pairs of shoes to allow them to dry completely between uses.
5. Specialized socks: Wear moisture-wicking socks designed for athletic activities.

Why is it important to avoid wearing damp shoes? Damp shoes create an ideal environment for fungal growth. By allowing your shoes to dry completely between uses, you significantly reduce the risk of developing or exacerbating athlete’s foot.

Choosing the Right Socks

The type of socks you wear can also play a role in preventing and managing athlete’s foot. Consider these factors when selecting socks:

• Material: Choose synthetic materials like polyester or nylon that wick moisture away from the skin.
• Fit: Ensure your socks fit well without being too tight or loose.
• Cushioning: Look for socks with extra cushioning in high-friction areas to prevent blisters and reduce moisture buildup.
• Antimicrobial properties: Some socks are treated with antimicrobial agents that can help prevent fungal growth.

By combining proper footwear choices with good hygiene practices and appropriate treatment methods, you can effectively manage and prevent athlete’s foot, ensuring healthy and comfortable feet.

Understanding the Impact of Athlete’s Foot on Overall Foot Health

While athlete’s foot is often viewed as a minor inconvenience, it can have broader implications for your overall foot health if left untreated. Understanding these potential impacts can help emphasize the importance of prompt and effective treatment.

Secondary Bacterial Infections

The cracks and fissures in the skin caused by athlete’s foot can serve as entry points for bacteria, potentially leading to secondary bacterial infections. These infections can be more serious and may require antibiotic treatment.

Spread to Other Parts of the Body

If not properly managed, the fungal infection can spread to other parts of the foot, including the toenails, leading to a condition called onychomycosis. It can also spread to other parts of the body through scratching or contaminated hands.

Chronic Discomfort

Persistent athlete’s foot can cause chronic itching, burning, and discomfort, affecting your daily activities and quality of life.

Impact on Foot Biomechanics

In severe cases, the discomfort caused by athlete’s foot may alter your walking pattern, potentially leading to other foot problems or biomechanical issues.

How can untreated athlete’s foot affect your overall health? Beyond the immediate discomfort, untreated athlete’s foot can lead to more serious fungal infections, increase the risk of bacterial infections, and potentially cause changes in foot biomechanics that could affect your overall posture and gait.

Debunking Common Myths About Athlete’s Foot

There are several misconceptions surrounding athlete’s foot that can lead to improper treatment or prevention strategies. Let’s address some of these myths:

Myth 1: Only Athletes Get Athlete’s Foot

Despite its name, athlete’s foot can affect anyone, regardless of their athletic activity level. The name comes from its prevalence in environments frequented by athletes, such as locker rooms and swimming pools.

Myth 2: Athlete’s Foot Always Causes Itching

While itching is a common symptom, some people with athlete’s foot may experience burning, stinging, or even no noticeable symptoms at all.

Myth 3: You Can’t Get Athlete’s Foot if You Wear Shoes

While going barefoot in public areas increases your risk, you can still develop athlete’s foot even if you always wear shoes. Warm, moist environments inside shoes can promote fungal growth.

Myth 4: Athlete’s Foot Will Go Away on Its Own

Without proper treatment, athlete’s foot is unlikely to resolve on its own and may worsen over time.

Myth 5: Once Treated, Athlete’s Foot Won’t Come Back

Even after successful treatment, athlete’s foot can recur if preventive measures aren’t maintained.

Why is it important to dispel these myths about athlete’s foot? Understanding the true nature of athlete’s foot helps people take appropriate preventive measures and seek timely treatment, reducing the risk of chronic or recurring infections.

By addressing these myths and providing accurate information about athlete’s foot, we can promote better foot health practices and more effective management of this common condition. Remember, while athlete’s foot is generally not serious, proper treatment and prevention are key to maintaining healthy, comfortable feet.

Athlete’s Foot Treatment, Medications, Creams, & Sprays

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• What Are the Treatments for Athlete’s Foot?
• Athlete’s Foot Medicine
• Hygiene for Athlete’s Foot
• Athlete’s Foot Natural Remedies
•  Can I Prevent Athlete’s Foot?

Most cases of athlete’s foot can be cured with over-the-counter antifungal products and basic good hygiene.  Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungal infection, so the way to get rid of it is to stop the fungus from growing.

If it’s not treated properly and promptly, athlete’s foot can be very stubborn. Even when you treat it with antifungal drugs, the infection may take several weeks to disappear and may come back after treatment.

More serious cases may need to be seen by a doctor.

Treatments for athlete’s foot include over-the-counter antifungal medications and good hygiene. Photo Credit: russaquarius / Getty Images

There are many types of over-the-counter antifungal powders, creams, gels, lotions, and sprays. You might have to try a few before you find one that works best for you.

Follow the instructions on the label of the product you buy. Generally, you apply them every day after you wash and dry your feet.  Continue treatment for 1-2 weeks after the infection has cleared to prevent it from recurring.

If the itchy rash on your feet doesn’t clear up after a couple of weeks, see your doctor. They can recommend a prescription cream or antifungal pills.

In addition to treatment, good foot hygiene is important when you have athlete’s foot.  Wash and dry your feet (including between the toes) every morning and evening. And make sure your feet get plenty of air. If you can’t go barefoot or wear sandals, wear synthetic socks that wick away moisture. Cotton tends to trap the moisture and promote fungal growth. 

Also:

• Wear shoes made of a porous material.
• Change socks or stockings daily.
• Don’t wear the same shoes day after day to allow them time to dry completely before wearing them again.  
• Wash your socks and towels in the hottest water possible.

Many people have their own ways to deal with athlete’s foot at home. There’s not much scientific research on how well these remedies work, but some have shown promise.

Tea tree oil. This oil comes from the leaves of a tree that grows in Australia. Because it can kill some types of bacteria and fungus, people have used it as a home remedy for many years.

When rubbed into your skin twice a day, tea tree oil may be able to reduce the itching, scaling, swelling, and burning of athlete’s foot. But it can take up to a month to see progress. And it doesn’t work for everyone.

Tea tree oil can cause a skin rash or trigger allergies. So talk with your doctor before you try it. They can suggest a tea tree product for you to try or explain how to dilute the oil to avoid side effects.

Never take tea tree oil by mouth since it can be toxic.

Bitter orange. This fruit has been used for years in Chinese medicine and by people who live in the Amazon rainforest.

Bitter orange oil is a natural fungus fighter. Besides athlete’s foot, it may help to clear up ringworm and jock itch.

One study found that when people applied a watered-down form of bitter orange oil to their feet three times a day, the fungus cleared up after a week or two.

Bitter orange can inflame your skin if you use it in its pure form. It can also make you more likely to get a sunburn, so be sure to protect your skin from the sun if you use it.

Ajoene from garlic. Ajoene is a chemical found in garlic that may ease symptoms of athlete’s foot. You can take it by mouth as an antifungal pill. You can also find it in gel form.

In one study, people who applied ajoene to their feet once a day saw their athlete’s foot symptoms go away after a week. This method might also help keep athlete’s foot from coming back.

Sunflower oil. Made from the pressed seeds of sunflowers, this oil has long been said to fight germs. Although athlete’s foot is not a germ, a brand called Oleozon, which contains ozone (another germ-killer), has been shown to get rid of athlete’s foot when applied to the feet. It’s unclear whether other brands of sunflower oil might work as well, but it may be worth trying.

Green tea. Nutrients in green tea called polyphenols have antifungal powers. Soak your feet in lukewarm green tea and you may notice less peeling and redness. 

But this method won’t work quickly. You may have to soak your feet every day for 3 months. And more studies are needed to prove that green tea can get rid of the fungus, not just make your feet feel and look better.

Sosa. People in rural parts of Mexico use leaves of the Solanum chrysotrichum plant, also called giant devil’s fig. Studies show that a cream made from an extract of this shrubby plant works as an antifungal for athlete’s foot. It could also prevent it from coming back.

But while studies show that sosa is safe to put on your skin, it may be hard to find.

Vinegar. Some people believe that soaking your feet in a mixture of water and vinegar will get rid of athlete’s foot. While a vinegar soak won’t do your feet any harm, there’s not enough research to prove it will do much good, either.

Athlete’s foot is contagious. So don’t go barefoot in public areas such as the pool or gym where many others have walked with bare feet.  And since moisture helps the fungus grow, cut your risk by keeping your feet clean and dry.

 Other sensible steps:

• Take your shoes off when you go home and let your feet be exposed to the air.
• Never share shoes, socks, or towels.
• Be doubly cautious if you take an antibiotic for another condition. The medication can kill beneficial bacteria that normally control the fungus that causes athlete’s foot.

Top Picks

Athlete’s Foot Treatment, Medications, Creams, & Sprays

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• What Are the Treatments for Athlete’s Foot?
• Athlete’s Foot Medicine
• Hygiene for Athlete’s Foot
• Athlete’s Foot Natural Remedies
•  Can I Prevent Athlete’s Foot?

Most cases of athlete’s foot can be cured with over-the-counter antifungal products and basic good hygiene.   Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungal infection, so the way to get rid of it is to stop the fungus from growing.

If it’s not treated properly and promptly, athlete’s foot can be very stubborn. Even when you treat it with antifungal drugs, the infection may take several weeks to disappear and may come back after treatment.

More serious cases may need to be seen by a doctor.

Treatments for athlete’s foot include over-the-counter antifungal medications and good hygiene. Photo Credit: russaquarius / Getty Images

There are many types of over-the-counter antifungal powders, creams, gels, lotions, and sprays. You might have to try a few before you find one that works best for you.

Follow the instructions on the label of the product you buy. Generally, you apply them every day after you wash and dry your feet.  Continue treatment for 1-2 weeks after the infection has cleared to prevent it from recurring.

If the itchy rash on your feet doesn’t clear up after a couple of weeks, see your doctor. They can recommend a prescription cream or antifungal pills.

In addition to treatment, good foot hygiene is important when you have athlete’s foot.  Wash and dry your feet (including between the toes) every morning and evening. And make sure your feet get plenty of air. If you can’t go barefoot or wear sandals, wear synthetic socks that wick away moisture. Cotton tends to trap the moisture and promote fungal growth. 

Also:

• Wear shoes made of a porous material.
• Change socks or stockings daily.
• Don’t wear the same shoes day after day to allow them time to dry completely before wearing them again. 
• Wash your socks and towels in the hottest water possible.

Many people have their own ways to deal with athlete’s foot at home. There’s not much scientific research on how well these remedies work, but some have shown promise.

Tea tree oil.  This oil comes from the leaves of a tree that grows in Australia. Because it can kill some types of bacteria and fungus, people have used it as a home remedy for many years.

When rubbed into your skin twice a day, tea tree oil may be able to reduce the itching, scaling, swelling, and burning of athlete’s foot. But it can take up to a month to see progress. And it doesn’t work for everyone.

Tea tree oil can cause a skin rash or trigger allergies. So talk with your doctor before you try it. They can suggest a tea tree product for you to try or explain how to dilute the oil to avoid side effects.

Never take tea tree oil by mouth since it can be toxic.

Bitter orange. This fruit has been used for years in Chinese medicine and by people who live in the Amazon rainforest.

Bitter orange oil is a natural fungus fighter. Besides athlete’s foot, it may help to clear up ringworm and jock itch.

One study found that when people applied a watered-down form of bitter orange oil to their feet three times a day, the fungus cleared up after a week or two.

Bitter orange can inflame your skin if you use it in its pure form. It can also make you more likely to get a sunburn, so be sure to protect your skin from the sun if you use it.

Ajoene from garlic. Ajoene is a chemical found in garlic that may ease symptoms of athlete’s foot. You can take it by mouth as an antifungal pill. You can also find it in gel form.

In one study, people who applied ajoene to their feet once a day saw their athlete’s foot symptoms go away after a week. This method might also help keep athlete’s foot from coming back.

Sunflower oil. Made from the pressed seeds of sunflowers, this oil has long been said to fight germs. Although athlete’s foot is not a germ, a brand called Oleozon, which contains ozone (another germ-killer), has been shown to get rid of athlete’s foot when applied to the feet. It’s unclear whether other brands of sunflower oil might work as well, but it may be worth trying.

Green tea.  Nutrients in green tea called polyphenols have antifungal powers. Soak your feet in lukewarm green tea and you may notice less peeling and redness. 

But this method won’t work quickly. You may have to soak your feet every day for 3 months. And more studies are needed to prove that green tea can get rid of the fungus, not just make your feet feel and look better.

Sosa. People in rural parts of Mexico use leaves of the Solanum chrysotrichum plant, also called giant devil’s fig. Studies show that a cream made from an extract of this shrubby plant works as an antifungal for athlete’s foot. It could also prevent it from coming back.

But while studies show that sosa is safe to put on your skin, it may be hard to find.

Vinegar. Some people believe that soaking your feet in a mixture of water and vinegar will get rid of athlete’s foot. While a vinegar soak won’t do your feet any harm, there’s not enough research to prove it will do much good, either.

Athlete’s foot is contagious. So don’t go barefoot in public areas such as the pool or gym where many others have walked with bare feet.  And since moisture helps the fungus grow, cut your risk by keeping your feet clean and dry.

 Other sensible steps:

• Take your shoes off when you go home and let your feet be exposed to the air.
• Never share shoes, socks, or towels.
• Be doubly cautious if you take an antibiotic for another condition. The medication can kill beneficial bacteria that normally control the fungus that causes athlete’s foot.

Top Picks

Athlete’s foot – treatment, symptoms, causes, diagnosis

This is often called a fungal infection of the feet, more common in people involved in sports. Fungal lesions (mycoses) are caused by several types of fungi, with lesions in different parts of the foot and different visual manifestations. Mycosis of the feet is a contagious disease, and you can get infected by contact with the patient or his shoes. More often, infection occurs through contact with a surface contaminated with fungi (floors in a shower or locker room). The risk of infection in humans depends on the individual susceptibility of the organism. The older the person, the greater the chance of infection. If a person has had mycosis, then the risk of recurrence is quite high. People who are not susceptible to mycosis can be carriers of the disease and infect other people.

Risk factors

• Male gender. Men are more susceptible to foot fungus than women.
• Past history of fungal diseases
• The presence of reduced immunity (for diseases such as diabetes or cancer).
• Living in a warm, humid climate.
• Old age. Mycosis is more common in the older age group. Children rarely get sick with athlete’s foot.
• Prolonged exposure of feet to humidity.
• Wearing tight, poorly ventilated shoes.
• Walking barefoot in public locker rooms or showers
• Performing work involving prolonged contact with water.

Mycosis causes

Mycosis is caused by a fungus that develops on or in the top layer of the skin. Fungi thrive best in warm, moist places, such as between the toes.

Mycosis is very easily transmitted. You can become infected by touching the toes of a person who has the disease. But most often, people become infected when walking barefoot on contaminated surfaces near swimming pools or in locker rooms. Fungi begin to grow actively in shoes, especially tight ones, without air ventilation. In some cases, you can not get sick (in the absence of susceptibility), but become a carrier of the fungus and infect other people. As a rule, transferred mycosis does not guarantee that there will be no re-infection (quite the contrary).

Symptoms

Mycosis (athlete’s foot) may cause burning in the foot or between the toes and itching. The skin may become macerated and cracked. Symptoms depend on the location of the fungal infection (type of fungus).

• Fungal infection of the toe tissue usually occurs between the fourth and fifth toes. The skin becomes scaly, thinner, and cracks appear. In some people, a fungal infection is accompanied by a secondary bacterial infection, which leads to even more damage to the skin tissues.
• A fungal infection (such as a moccasin) may start with a slight soreness in the foot. The skin on the base or sole of the foot thickens and cracks. In severe cases, toenails may be affected (thickening of the nails, crumbling and sometimes falling out of the nails occur). Mycosis of the nails requires separate treatment.
• Fungal infection of the vesicular type. Usually manifested by the sudden appearance of small fluid-filled blisters under the skin. Bubbles are usually found at the base of the foot. But they can appear anywhere on the foot. It is also possible to combine a fungal infection with a bacterial one

Athlete’s Foot Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on a visual examination of the foot by a physician. The doctor may be interested in the presence of concomitant pathology and possible ways of infection with the fungus. In addition, the doctor needs to take a scraping for microscopic examination. In most cases, treatment is carried out at home with drugs sold in pharmacies without a prescription.

Over-the-counter drugs are used first. These are drugs such as lamisil, mikatin, clotrimazole. These drugs are applied topically in the form of ointments.

In severe mycosis, it is possible to use stronger drugs (as prescribed by a doctor) such as naphthine or mentaxa.

Oral drugs are prescribed only in severe cases and for a short period of time (due to the presence of pronounced side effects). For example, it is Diflucan or Sporanox.

In case of damage to the nails, the affected nails are removed using special applications.

When combined with a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed.

Athlete’s Foot Prevention

• Keeping the Foot Dry
• Wiping the spaces between the fingers dry after swimming or showering
• Wearing shoes with adequate ventilation
• Wearing shoes with socks
• Wearing cotton socks
• Use talc or antifungal powder if sweating occurs
• Shoes must be aired for at least 24 hours after the next wear
• Wearing slippers in public places (pool, changing room, shower).

How to choose the best ointment for sprains

Which ointment is best for sprains and other injuries? We choose the best products that must be in the first aid kit of people involved in sports.

Tags:

beauty

Cream

Pharmacy funds

Pharmacy creams

workout injuries

Shutterstock

Sprains and sprains are the most common injury and are, unfortunately, very easy to get, especially if you exercise frequently. But even those who lead a sedentary lifestyle have a risk of sprains. In this material, we will analyze the best ointments for bruises and sprains.

Do not self-medicate! In our articles, we collect the latest scientific data and the opinions of authoritative health experts. But remember: only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.

First of all, large joints, ligaments and muscles that we use most often – arms, legs, neck, are subject to sprains. This type of injury causes a lot of inconvenience and limits your movement. If your knees or ankles are affected, you may find it difficult to walk. In the treatment of sprains, special ointments, gels and compresses are used. The best ointments for sprains effectively and quickly relieve unpleasant symptoms, eliminate swelling and pain.

First aid for sprains

How to treat a sprain? First Aid:

1. Keep the joint immobile.
2. Apply a cold compress to the injured area.
3. Get a physical examination for associated injuries (for example, a sprain may be accompanied by a fracture or dislocation) and to assess the patient’s condition.

ADVERTISING – CONTINUED BELOW

If the injury is uncomplicated, you can get by with self-therapy with the help of ointments from sprains of muscles, ligaments and joints. They have a local effect on the injured area of ​​the body and help restore its mobility. Popular pharmacy products practically do not differ from each other in their effect, but contain different active ingredients. Consider the best ointments for muscle and ligament sprains.

Pain relievers for sprains

The best pain relievers for injuries have a cooling effect that quickly reduces pain. They can be used immediately after injury. It is preferable to choose preparations with a gel texture, which is quickly absorbed and distributed on the skin, avoiding friction of the painful area. They also prevent the formation of hematomas, relieve swelling. The best pain relief ointments for sprains and muscles with a cooling effect:

• Kapilar
• Reparil-gel
• Venoruton-gel
• Regenerating sports gel-balm “42”

Warming ointments for muscle strain and ligaments

The best ointment for sprains and sprains does not necessarily cool the tissues: some varieties On the contrary, they have a warming effect. The action of warming ointments for stretching is to accelerate blood circulation in the damaged joint or muscle. They can not be used immediately after injury, but only after a few days. Also, warming ointments for stretching are used to warm up the muscles before training, which serves as a good prevention of injuries and helps to reduce muscle pain. The best representatives of this class of funds:

• Kapsikam
• Finalgon
• Apizartron
• Nikoflex
• Bengay

Even the best ointments for sprains with a warming effect can cause a short-term burning sensation. It is necessary to remove the product from the skin not with water, but with a greasy cream or vegetable oil.

Ointments for sprains and bruises with heparin

One of the best ointments for bruises and sprains is heparin. You can also use its analogues. Means with sodium heparin prevent blood clotting and the formation of hematomas. If the bruise has already appeared, the ointment contributes to its rapid elimination. Strengthens blood vessels, relieves swelling. Ointment from sprains with heparin is applied to clean skin 2-4 times a day.

• Dolobene
• Lioton-gel
• Heparin ointment (Nizhpharm)
• Heparin-gel Akrikhin
• Trombless

90 004 Inexpensive ointments for sprains with badyaga

Badyaga is a substance consisting of silicon oxide. Ointments based on it improve blood flow at the site of injury, promote healing of hematomas. Not considered first choice for sprains, but may help speed up muscle recovery. although these are not the best remedies for sprains, they are quite effective, in addition, ointments with bodyaga are good against bruises. Another plus of such ointments is the low price.

• Badyaga forte-gel
• Cream “Lekar”
• Cream-balm “Ambulance”

Inexpensive ointments from sprains with arnica

9 0002 Affordable products based on arnica extract contribute to quick recovery after bruises, sprains and others injuries.