Bhakti Paun Sharma
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Written By: Bhakti Paun Sharma | Updated : April 15, 2016 10:50 AM IST
I have tried using sprays for muscle injury or sprains instead of ointments recently. I do experience a burning sensation when I apply the spray. Is it a good idea to use sprays instead of ointments? Are they more effective?
We shared this query with Dr. Aman Goyal Associate Consultant, Orthopedic Department at Nayati Multi Super Specialty , Mathura and here s what he has to say. Ointments and liniments are basically of two types. The ones which contain capsaicin act by causing skin irritation and burning to a certain extent, thereby increasing the blood supply to that area by blood vessel dilatation and provide pain relief. The skin may burn severely but it is all in a controlled manner, but if the irritation persists beyond a certain limit and skin changes develop then that product should be strictly avoided and a doctor consulted. All certified products are usually not harsh on non-allergic skin. Through skin irritation they also act by the mechanism of lateral inhibition wherein a more severe pain (irritation) causes subsidence of smaller pain.The sprays fall into this categories and hence you may experience a slight burning sensation which subsides within a few minutes. You can also try these remedies for sprains and sports related injuries.
The other variety of ointments contain menthol and aspirin-like substances which themselves are pain relieving. But if they are massaged, they have dual action wherein massage causes skin irritation, which causes pain relief by increasing blood supply and aspirin -ike substances act as pain killers. So it is actually the individual action of the both the therapies (pharmacological and mechanical) acting synergistically to bring about pain relief. This is very helpful in chronic and dull aching kind of pain, but not preferred for acute pain. Remember to apply the ointment gently on the injured area as massaging is not recommended at all times.
In cases of acute pain, especially after an injury (e.g. ankle sprain) wherein immediate pain relief is warranted, sprays are more helpful than ointments due to their faster mechanism of action and better absorption properties. Sprays invariably contain menthol which has a cooling and soothing effect over the area, which helps to a great extent.
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