The players are on their feet all day in temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius. How did you manage to avoid dehydration and muscle cramps?
"These are certainly major concerns playing cricket in India and oral hydration is still the central pillar of avoiding dehydration and cramps. Most of the time the players can keep up, but when you throw gastroenteritis in the mix (which increases fluid loss and decreases digestion) then it can be enough to stop oral rehydration from being adequate. Interestingly, this means prevention of gastroenteritis is also an important part of prevention of dehydration. The Aussie cricket team uses a supplement called Travelan, which has some anti-E Coli properties derived from components of cow’s milk, and their un-controlled experience with this product is positive. As a nerdy doctor, I was prepared to follow my own advice to brush teeth using bottled water only, but I don’t know how many of the red-blooded Australian males in the team actually went to extreme measures like this. When players did get gastro to the point of being unable to keep bottled water down, I was quick to use Intra Venous therapy (including fluid and antibiotics). This was legal in 2007 although it will now require a full permission from anti doping authorities in 2008. This wouldn’t stop me from proceeding as it can totally be medically justified once a player is dehydrated and can’t keep fluids down.
"On the cramps side we used Quinine in players who were susceptible. Apparently most of the Indian team takes Quinine routinely for matches. I have a lot of experience with Aussie Rules and rugby league players taking it in summer and it appears to be both effective (for preventing cramps) and safe in the athletic population. There are reports of arrhythmias (abnormal heart rythms) and thrombocytopenias (decreased number of platelets in the blood, which causes bleeding) with Quinine although these are mainly in old women taking it every night for night cramps. We need a study analysing efficacy and safety of Quinine in athletes and I have a sports physician registrar who recently submitted an excellent protocol for a randomised controlled trial in sportsmen. Just to prove the research world is going as mad as every other sector is, he got this knocked back by an ethics committee because one of the members of the jury was worried about side effects of Quinine. So rather than let us study the issue and work out what is scientifically best, the ethics committee has covered its own arse. We’ll just have to keep using (or not using if you are petrified about rare side effects) Quinine thinking that it works but not really being certain. One extra bonus (whilst in India) is that it is also an anti-malarial."
Durable 4mm shock absorbing heel pads, with excellent 36 month life expectancy. Designed to wear under existing insole. ...
NEW!3/4 length arch supporting, anti pronation orthotics for narrow toed footwear. With deep heel...
NEW!Fabric lined gel cushion heel pads with, to relieve heel pain during running and walking....
Shock absorbing heel pads that provide extra cushioning, shock absorption and lift to the heel region. Simply fit them on top of...
SPECIAL OFFER Shock absorbing insoles that provide extra cushioning for the heel and forefoot, to prevent and...
BEST SELLER!Orthotic insoles that provide increased stability and support for the arch of the foot. ...
3/4 length insoles with soft cushions for the arch of the foot, suitable for 'hard to fit' shoes. ...
NEW!A pair of 3/4 length Impact Gel insoles, to relieve foot pain in people who are on their feet all...
BEST SELLER!A 'cutting edge' shock dissipating material with a unique carbon fibre arch re-enforcement....
Replacement insole with a special cushioning zone in the heel, making them most suitable for walking, running & jogging. ...
NEW!A pair of thin (6mm) silicone gel heel cushions, with extra soft blue dot to relieve heel pain....
BEST SELLER!Ultra soft, high quality heel cups - provide the ultimate in shock absorption and also stabilise...
Neoprene back support with enclosed plastic stays for the treatment and prevention of Sciatica and back pain. ...
Contoured Aerotherm® neoprene back support for improved comfort. Ideal for treatment and prevention of Sciatica and back...
Our best neoprene back support, particularly good for use during sport and work activities. Provides superb support, warmth and...
Deep Relief dual action gel with ibuprofen is a clear, non-sticky and non-greasy gel with a mild, pleasant menthol fragrance....
Easy to use dual channel digital TENS machine for effective pain relief featuring seven preset programmes. Just stick on the...
Flip design dual channel digital TENS machine for unbeatable pain relief. Features a wider range of variations than other TENS...
A simple moulded plastic walker that allows early walking on sprained ankles, Tibial stress fractures and stable ankle fractures....
A short walking brace for protected walking on foot and ankle injuries. Features inflatable air cells to reduce foot and ankle...
BEST SELLER!As worn by Wayne Rooney! Short pneumatic walking brace to speed up healing of foot and ankle...
High quality neoprene thigh support to reduce thigh pain, reduce swelling and accelerate healing. Provides thigh and hamstring...
Ultra thin neoprene compression shorts for treatment and prevention of groin, thigh and hamstring injuries....
BEST SELLERCompression shorts with patented 'Core Activation System' for treatment and prevention of groin,...
This high quality neoprene shoulder strap helps reduce shoulder pain, reduce swelling and accelerate healing. Custom fits the...
BEST SELLER!Used for dislocated shoulder, frozen shoulder, broken collar bone, Rotator Cuff and Acromio-...
Reversible and adjustable neoprene shoulder support with a pocket for inserting a hot/cold pack. Perfect for sports use and...
Superb value, 8 x 1m length resistance bands in all 4 varying strengths, for use during rehab exercises for the shoulder, ankle,...
A very robust 35cm diameter wooden Wobble Board with an anti-slip top. Tilts around a full 360 degrees for the ultimate balance &...
Provides a visual indication of whether you are working the correct postural muscles, in the right manner, when performing...
Superb value Swiss Ball pump used to inflate PhysioRoom
.com Swiss Balls. Colour may vary....
Citrus flavoured high energy carbohydrate gel for high intensity endurance exercise. ...
Provides a refreshing lemon and lime sports drink, when mixed with water. ...
A delicious chocolate and caramel flavoured carbohydrate energy bar. ...
Essential ice and compression kit to relieve pain, reduce swelling and speed up recovery following a sports injury, muscle...
Fabric pack that contains wheat. Can be put in the microwave or freezer to provide a hot or cold pack....
Durable fabric wrap complete with two 12cm x 15cm (4.75" x 6") reusable Hot/Cold packs. Ideal for ankle, wrist, elbow, arm. ...
Fabric ice bag that can be filled with ice cubes, crushed ice or ice water. Relieves pain and swelling. ...
SAVE UP TO 60%!Reusable, 12cm x 25cm (5" x 10") mouldable gel pack that can be used as a cold pack or hot pack. ...
Durable fabric wrap complete with one 15cm x 22.5cm (6" x 9") reusable Hot/Cold pack. Ideal for shoulder, knee, back, thigh,...
SAVE UP TO 20%!Foam underwrap that can be applied before a tape job to prevent chafing - ideal for sensitive skin....
SAVE UP TO 60%!Exceptional value, high quality latex free cohesive bandage. Developed by sports medicine experts,...
Conforming elastic tape to help prevent finger blisters when gripping sports equipment, such as golf clubs, hockey and lacrosse...
Silicon lined ankle support for ankle injury treatment and sports use. Provides warmth and compression to speed up healing and...
Sports ankle brace with ultra light nylon shell and lace up 'figure of 8' Velcro fastenings. Great for sprained ankle treatment...
Lightweight Drytex material sports ankle brace with Velcro™ straps for a perfect fit like a taped ankle. Ideal for those...
Receive our latest news and offers.
Information
& Expertise
You Can Trust
All medical information at PhysioRoom.com is provided by Chartered Physiotherapists, who specialise in sports medicine.
We use full 128-bit encryption technology to keep your order and payment details safe.
