Customers who ask for a topical painkiller will often be doing so as a result of a physical activity that has gone wrong. This may be because of an accident, exercising without warming up first, falling over, using equipment wrongly, having incorrect technique, or pushing the body beyond what it can cope with. Any of these can result in an injury, such as the ones described below.

1. Sprains are caused by abnormal or excessive force being applied to a joint, injuring the ligament. Commonly affected joints include the knees, ankles and wrists.

2. Strains occur when muscle fibres are stretched or torn as a result of being forced to contract too strongly or being stretched beyond their limits. The legs and back are frequently affected.

3. A dislocation can occur when a joint (e.g. the shoulder) is moved beyond its normal range
of motion. Dislocation often results in ligament damage.

4. Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendon that attaches two bones. It is a common injury
in the elbow for those who play tennis or golf.

5. A ruptured tendon is a serious condition that usually happens suddenly, causing severe pain because of a tear in the tissue. This commonly affects the Achilles tendon in the ankle.

Some customers may also seek advice on topical pain relief because they suffer from osteoarthritis. This condition is caused by damage to the cartilage in a joint, most commonly the knee, which results in swelling, pain and stiffness.

Did you know?

Stretching before exercise can increase flexibility and the ability of a joint to move through its full range of motion.