We all know that running is a great way to get in shape, and can improve your cardio performance dramatically. But, anyone who runs on a regular basis will also tell you that it is an activity that can also put a lot of wear and tear on your body as well. Sometimes this can result in small, but nagging, injuries that are more of a nuisance rather than anything too serious. That’s why it is a good idea to keep your medicine cabinet well stocked with these product, each of which will come in handy at various times throughout your running career.
Band-Aids
The good old-fashioned Band-Aid that your mom put on your skinned knee as a child is just as useful for adult runner too. Sure, you’re probably not falling down and scraping yourself up as much anymore, but these adhesive bandages work great for covering blisters and hot spots on your feet too. If you find your running shoes are rubbing you raw, applying a Band-Aid will protect your feet from further irritations and get you back out on the road for your next run sooner too.
Bodyglide
Let’s face it, chafing is a fact of life for runners. If it hasn’t happened to you yet, it is probably only a matter of time. That’s why you should keep some Bodyglide around the house at all times. Apply some Bodyglide to areas susceptible to chafing before you head out on a run and it will not only help prevent painful irritations, it can speed the healing process for any areas already affected. Marathoners will tell you that this is definitely an essential for any runner’s medicine cabinet.
Hyland’s Leg Cramps Tablets or Ointment
Leg cramps are an occasional side effect of running. Sometimes you’ll experience them during a workout, but more often than not they’ll strike while you’re resting and recovering back home. Hyland’s Leg Cramps medicine can help alleviate the pain, and stimulate the body’s ability to heal itself. Available as either a pill or ointment, these meds are all natural, and will help both new runners and experienced long-distance runners to avoid serious leg pain.
Icy Hot Patches
Running on a regular basis can result in tendonitis, bursitis, muscle pulls, and minor sprains. But Icy Hot patches can help relieve the soreness and inflammation that comes along with each of those injuries, speeding recovery before they can become more serious. The patches are available in a variety of sizes, and can be adhered to just about any part of the body, allowing them to work directly on the source of the pain.
Ace Bandages
Most of the products on this list are meant to provide relief from the everyday aches and pains that come with regular running. But sometimes you might experience an injury that is a bit more serious, requiring a different type of attention. For example, an ankle sprain or a swollen knee may not necessitate a doctor’s visit, but they do require time and patience. An Ace Bandage can help prevent further injury while providing compression that can speed along the healing process. These highly elastic bands wrap around sore joints and muscles, stabilizing their movement and promoting improved blood flow to an injured area.
Keeping your medicine cabinet stocked with these products means that you’ll have them on hand when you need them most. You never know when a nagging pain or injury might flare up, and when it does, you’ll be happy to know that relief is close by.