Doctors find use of painkillers among marathoners ‘alarming’
In other countries, the use of painkillers among marathoners are popular and doctors find this alarming. Some researches show that ibuprofen, for example, can cause inflammation and may interfere with the body’s process of recovery and adaptation.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and acetaminophen are the most common medications being taken by runners, marathoners and triathletes before, during and even after the event.
According to Stuart Warden, an associate professor in the Indiana University School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, when taken preventively, pain relievers “have the potential to reduce how well your tissues adapt to the exercise. We all know exercise makes muscles bigger, bones stronger and tissues adapt, changing in structure. NSAIDs block a pathway that’s important for that adaptation.”
With the exception of aspirin, NSAIDs can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. They also can cause gastrointestinal pains and pose risks to the kidneys. Dehydration can stress the kidneys even more.
I once took an NSAID before a marathon. It was advice by my doctor since I was still nursing an injury. Now, I no longer use them. I just face the pain during and after the race.
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