Joint Injuries
Russell Setright
Injuries to the joints, mainly knees and ankles is very common in running and triathlon events and the first line of treatment is rest ice compression bandage and elevation (R.I.C.E) and the ice should be applied for about 20mins on and off for the first 24 hours.
One of the best follow-up treatments after R.I.C.E is the use of comfrey ointment. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) has been used for centuries in the treatment of joint, bone and muscle injuries and was once called knit bone. The plant contains the small organic molecule allantoin, which is thought to stimulate cell growth and repair while simultaneously depressing inflammation. (Staiger C. Comfrey root: from tradition to modern clinical trials. Wien Med Wochenschr. 2013 Feb;163(3-4):58-64. doi: 10.1007/s10354-012-0162-4. Epub 2012 Dec 7).
Individual clinical trials showed evidence of the benefit of comfrey for ankle distortion, back pain, abrasion wounds and osteoarthritis. Comfrey helps reduce pain and swelling from sports injuries, relieves acute back pain and improves joint mobility (Frost RA, et al. critical scoping review of external uses of comfrey (Symphytum spp.). Complement Ther Med. 2013 Dec;21(6):724-45. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2013.09.009. Epub 2013 Oct 8).
A clinically proven, plant-based pain relief cream for those suffering from muscle and joint pain that contains a natural comfrey root extract is Flexagil®. Flexagil® has been found as an effective alternative to topical diclofenac (D'Anchise R, et al. Comfrey extract ointment in comparison to diclofenac gel in the treatment of acute unilateral ankle sprains. Arzneimittelforschung. 2007;57(11):712-6) and is a registered medicine in Australia..
Treatment
Adults:
Rub gently Flexagil® 3–4 times daily into painful or swollen areas, or as professionally prescribed.
Typically, apply a thread of cream 2-6 cm in length as with all medicines read the instructions and follow the directions for use.
Note
Flexagil® contains a small amount of peanut oil if allergic to peanuts it may be best not to use this product. Don’t apply under an occlusive dressing
copyright R.Setright 2014
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