What is your preference for sore aching joints and muscles? Do you pop an analgesic or slather on a non-prescription formula like Icy Hot or Ben-Gay? How safe are those topical muscle-soothing gels and creams? Just because you buy a product over the counter doesn’t mean it is safe regardless of how much you use.

Your body can absorb most anything that you rub into your skin.

Since muscle and joint soothing remedies contain active ingredients, such as methyl salicylate, a compound similar to aspirin, overuse can cause toxic levels of the active drugs in the bloodstream.

This could lead to a myriad of problems from internal bleeding to heart and neurological complications, according to Dr. Karlis Ullis, medical director of the Sports Medicine, Anti-Aging and Preventive Medical Group in Santa Monica, California.

In fact, that’s what happened to a 17 year-old New York runner who died from a heart condition linked to an accidental overdose of methyl salicylate, the active ingredient in sports creams such as Icy Hot and Ben-Gay.

Should you avoid all tranquilizing ointments, patches, gels, and creams? No, but follow directions and remember more is not better.

Don’t apply them and take aspirin or other salicylate products at the same time.

Rub a small amount on the affected area when your skin is dry and cool.

Don’t apply before exercising since heat and moisture can speed absorption, as can covering the lotions with bandages or clothing.

Don’t use the product for more than five days and try to relieve your aches and pains in other ways such as stretching, massage, or ice packs.

A few months ago I wrote a six part series on arthritis but apparently, I missed this one.

Costochondritis is swelling and irritation of the joints that connect the ribs to the breastbone.

It is a form of arthritis and usually results from doing something out of the ordinary such as lifting a heavy object.

Chest pain occurs, intensifies and worsens with straining or motion of the rib cage. There is no specific treatment but aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen might ease discomfort.

Also, applying heat to the area could ease the pain. Symptoms usually subside within a few weeks.

But how do you know it’s not a heart attack? If you experience severe chest pain, call 911.

When I previously wrote about sports drinks, I hadn’t seen Gatorade A.M. (what next?)

Someone recently asked if this drink contained a special formula to jump-start your morning workout.

According to Liz Applegate, PhD, director of sports nutrition at the University of California, Davis, same recipe as the original but enticing wake up flavors like Tropical-Mango and Orange-Strawberry. (They might be a bit more palatable in the wee hours instead of Cool Blue).

However, Applegate says there are some benefits of imbibing a sports drink before you fly out the door.

It can replenish some of the fluids lost while asleep, and the carbs will boost your energy. But a banana, bowl of cereal, and glass of water would be just as effective.

So, down a Tropical-Mango if it will psychologically augment your workout, stretch or ice sore muscles instead of relying on gels and ointments, and call 911 if you have severe chest pain.

It could be Costochondritis but that’s not a diagnosis you should make.

Happy New Year!

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Kay Sager is a certified fitness and aquatic specialist living at Port of the Islands. She is a personal trainer using land and water fitness and teaches swimming. She also has written articles for Physician and Sports Medicine among other publications. Kay can be reached by e-mail: kswimfit@aol.com.