My legs get SO sore after running? Should I buy Icy Hot?

Question

What exactly does Icy Hot do for you after running? I never understood it. Thankss! xx

Answer 1

Icy Hot isn't something you want to use regularly. Why are you so sore?

Are you stretching? That will help a lot. For appropriate stretches see: http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_1/...

Are you pushing yourself too hard? Maybe slow it down a bit...

Answer 2

Basically its like a heat rub that turns into a cold rub. Heat increases blood flow but increases inflammation where cold decreases inflammation.

So you get the best of both worlds in 1 pack.

Answer 3

Honestly, unless their is a real problem, you  should just tough it out, you'll get more used to it and your muscles will get stronger and your body will adapt..... Good luck with that!!!!!!!!!!

As they say.......

YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

=)

Answer 4

If you do use it, be careful and DON'T USE TOO MUCH of this sort of product.  There was a 17-year-old girl who died about a year ago from overuse of Icy Hot.  Just search for Icy Hot and it will link you to several articles.  Here's a link to one of them:

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/19144600/

Who knew using pain rubs could be dangerous?  But they can.  I guess she was really using it excessively.  And I think she was using a cream and pain patches at the same time.  Just use it in moderation and you should be fine.

Answer 5

Icy Hot wouldn't be my recommendation, it's just a chemical topical.

- First off, make sure you stretch both BEFORE and AFTER you run and stretch well and for a long time. Stretch ALL muscle groups. You can Google Runners Stretches if you need some help with that.

- Second, if you're just starting out running, tone it down a bit untiol you feel comfortable the next day then gradually build up. This may help decrease the unpleasant achiness afterward.

- Third, try eating more bananas or other foods high in potassium. This will help alleviate some of the cramping.

- Fourth, if you are still sore, use real ice and elevation to help decrease the inflammation that causes the pain. 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. Take an antiinflammatory (Ibuprofen) if it's that bad.

- Fifth and finally, keep running! We always used to "run the junk out" when we were having a bad/sore day by taking a long (10+ mile) easy run rather than a more intense shorter run.

Good luck!