Sports pharmacy in Geneva: support for active people

Sprain, strain or bruise: the first steps

Geneva is a sporting city: running along the lake, cycling up to the Salève, skiing at weekends, paddle and swimming in summer. Most minor injuries can be managed well if the right steps are taken in the first 48 hours:

1. Stop and protect. Stop the activity and avoid putting weight on the injured joint if it hurts.
2. Cool. Apply a cold pack wrapped in a cloth for about 15–20 minutes, several times a day.
3. Compress and elevate. A compression bandage and raising the limb limit swelling.
4. Relieve. We can advise a pain reliever or a gel suitable for you, according to the package leaflet and your other treatments.
5. Move again gradually. Once the pain allows, gentle movement helps healing more than prolonged rest.

Taping, braces and supports

Support	When it helps
Rigid taping (strapping)	Stabilising an ankle or finger after a sprain, or preventing a relapse during sport
Kinesiology tape	Comfort and proprioception for muscles and tendons; we show you how to apply it
Ankle brace	Returning to sport after a sprain, sports with frequent changes of direction
Knee support	Mild instability, running, hiking downhill, as advised by your doctor or physiotherapist
Wrist and thumb splints	Sprains, tendinitis, skiing and climbing
Crutches	Temporary weight relief: see medical equipment rental

A brace or support prescribed by a doctor may be partly reimbursed by your accident insurance or, within the limits of the federal list of medical aids, by basic insurance. In Switzerland, employees working at least eight hours a week for the same employer are also insured against non-occupational accidents, which includes most sports injuries: report the accident to your employer.

Recovery and muscle care

• Arnica gels and balms for bumps and bruises, such as those from Alpinamed, Phytopharma and Pure Altitude.
• Warming creams for stiff muscles, cold sprays and reusable hot and cold packs.
• Blister plasters and foot care for runners and hikers.
• Electrolytes for long efforts and hot days.
• Compression socks and sleeves for recovery: see our compression stockings page.

Sports nutrition and supplements

A balanced diet covers the needs of most people who exercise regularly. Supplements can be useful in specific cases: magnesium for some people prone to cramps, vitamin D in winter, iron if a deficiency has been confirmed, protein when food intake is insufficient. More is not better: some products marketed to athletes contain excessive doses or, if bought online from unreliable sources, substances that are banned in competition. For a personalised approach, see our micronutrition assessment.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do right after spraining my ankle?

Stop the activity, cool the ankle with a wrapped cold pack, apply a compression bandage and raise your leg. If you cannot put weight on it or the swelling is significant, see a doctor.

Can I buy an ankle or knee brace at a pharmacy in Geneva?

Yes. At Pharmacie de Cologny, we advise you on the right type of support and size, and order specific models if needed.

Does kinesiology tape really work?

It can improve comfort and the perception of movement for some people, but it does not replace a rigid strapping when a joint needs to be stabilised. We help you choose and show you how to apply it.

Are sports injuries covered by insurance in Switzerland?

If you work at least eight hours a week for the same employer, your employer’s accident insurance covers non-occupational accidents, including sport. Otherwise, accidents are covered by your basic health insurance, with deductible and co-payment.

Should I take magnesium for cramps?

Magnesium can help people with a deficiency, but cramps have many causes, including dehydration and fatigue. Ask us before taking it, especially if you have kidney problems or take other medicines.