From the August 2004 issue of Runner's World
Your head's pounding before you start pounding the pavement
For headaches, take acetaminophen rather than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) before a run. NSAIDs decrease blood flow to the kidneys, which regulate salt levels. If you also overhydrate, this heightens your risk of developing hyponatremia, a low concentration of sodium in the blood that can lead to coma, seizures, and in rare cases, death, says Dr. Maharam. Save the anti-inflammatories to soothe your postrun aches and pains.
Your Fix: Tylenol 8 Hour Extended Relief and generic brands that contain 650 milligrams of acetaminophen.
Extra Tip: Get a massage. University of Miami researchers found that two weekly 30-minute massages decreased headache pain in migraine sufferers.
There's a bonfire in your chest
For fast heartburn relief, pick liquid formulas over chewables. "The liquid works instantaneously," says Paul Doering, M.S., of the Department of Pharmacy Practice at the University of Florida. "The tablet has a 10- to 15-minute delay because it has to disintegrate."
Your Fix: Mylanta, Maalox, and several generic brands offer liquid antacids.
Extra Tip: Lay off the caffeine--it relaxes the muscle that keeps food and acid in your stomach.
You have a blister so big it needs its own shoe
A small blister can be left alone, but anything larger than a dime needs prodding. Otherwise, it could burst midrun and become infected. To drain, sterilize a needle with rubbing alcohol and gently stick the blister. Leave the flap of skin alone. "It acts as a natural Band-Aid," says Dr. Maharam. Apply an antibiotic ointment containing the bacitrain and polymyxin and cover with a bandage. Be weary of ointments containing a third antibiotic, neomycin, which can trigger an allergic reaction in some people.
Your Fix: Polysporin ointment (or generic brand)
Extra Tip: Dr. Glazer recommends liquid bandages over the traditional kind. "Dirt and grit and even bacteria can accumulate under a regular Band-Aid," he says. "If you apply a liquid Band-Aid to a clean area, then nothing gets in there."
