Spring sports injuries guide for athletes on medication management

Author: Dalian Women's and Children's Medical Center (Group) Pharmacy Department. Reviewer: Not specified. Curator: Not specified. Production/Organizational Information: Dalian Women's and Children's Medical Center (Group). Title: Spring sports injuries guide for athletes on medication management.

Spring sports heighten the risk of injuries; this guide provides medication recommendations for the treatment and prevention of common injuries.

The Dalian Women's and Children's Medical Center (Group) Pharmacy Department is a comprehensive technical service unit that integrates multiple functions, including ensuring drug supply, managing pharmaceuticals, guiding rational medication use, and conducting research and teaching. It comprises various divisions, such as the Outpatient Western Medicine Pharmacy, Outpatient Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmacy, Inpatient Pharmacy, Parenteral Drug Preparation Center (PIVAS), Clinical Pharmacy Room, Pharmacy Consultation Clinic, Office of Drug Clinical Trials (GCP), and a pharmacy storage facility. The department is responsible for ensuring drug supply, providing guidance on rational medication use, and undertaking various research and teaching responsibilities. The Group Pharmacy Department has been recognized as a pilot unit for the clinical pharmacist working model by the National Health Commission and is the sole pilot unit for clinical pharmacists in a women and children's specialty hospital within Liaoning Province. It serves as a standardized training base for clinical pharmacists recognized by the Chinese Medical Association, and the Clinical Pharmacy Department has been identified as a key clinical specialty in Liaoning Province. Furthermore, it acts as a graduate training site for the School of Pharmacy at Dalian Medical University. The department is dedicated to building a high-level popular science team, applying for key projects in popular science research, engaging in various popular science initiatives from the China Association for Science and Technology and the Provincial Association for Science and Technology, and publishing hundreds of popular science articles across various platforms. The popular science team has achieved accolades such as the Excellent Science Popularization Promotion Organization Award from Health Times and the Excellent Science Popularization Volunteer Team Award from the PSM Shield Foundation.

As spring unfolds, it presents an excellent opportunity for outdoor activities. While exercise has numerous benefits, it also has the potential to cause minor injuries during physical activity. Understanding how to use commonly available household medications for initial treatment can give you confidence while exercising. In this guide, we will clarify the medication strategies for three common sports injuries associated with spring activities.

After exercising, if any muscle or joint issues arise, it is essential to choose a treatment plan based on the timing of the symptoms and their nature. The key is to differentiate between the 'acute inflammatory phase' and the 'recovery and alleviation phase.'

During the acute phase of an injury, typically within the first 24 to 48 hours, the emphasis should be on 'immobilization' and 'anti-inflammation.' At this time, the 'RICE' principle should be adhered to: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. When it comes to medication, topical anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs such as diclofenac diethylammonium gel or ibuprofen gel should be employed. These agents act directly at the site of pain, effectively suppressing local inflammation while alleviating swelling and pain, and they have minimal systemic side effects. It is crucial to remember that these medications should only be applied to intact skin, used 3 to 4 times daily, and must not be applied if the skin is broken.

Once acute pain and swelling subside and the condition enters the remission phase, usually after 48 hours, or when addressing chronic strains, the focus shifts to 'promoting blood circulation and dispersing blood stasis' as well as 'relaxing the muscles.' At this stage, external medications that enhance blood circulation and alleviate blood stasis can be utilized, such as Yunnan Baiyao aerosol or blood-activating and pain-relieving plaster. These medications help reinforce local blood circulation, assisting in the dispersion of stagnation and swelling. In addition, cooling liniments containing menthol or warming liniments infused with capsaicin can relieve muscle stiffness and fatigue through their physical properties.

When the skin is scraped or damaged, the central concern of treatment is to prevent infection. The correct procedure and medication choices are as follows.

In cases of insect bite dermatitis or red, swollen, itchy skin due to plant allergies, begin by washing the affected area with soapy water. For localized itching, calamine lotion is the recommended first choice due to its high safety profile, suitable for most individuals. If redness and swelling are pronounced, a small amount of hydrocortisone cream may be applied temporarily to reduce inflammation. If the rash is widespread, accompanied by severe itching that disturbs sleep and daily activities, oral antihistamines such as cetirizine or loratadine may be taken. It is essential to monitor for systemic allergic reactions like difficulty breathing, throat tightness, palpitations, or dizziness, as these could indicate a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.

A well-equipped first aid kit serves as a reliable resource to ensure your safety during spring activities. It is advisable to have the following items available and to routinely check the expiration dates and conditions of the medications.

In the event of the following situations, please seek medical assistance immediately.