NSAIDs Use or Avoid?
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often prescribed in the treatment of ligament and tendon injuries. There are several studies supporting their benefit with respect to pain and functional improvements compared to controls…
but the question is “what effect do NSAIDs have on the actual quality of the tendon or ligament repair?”
Interestingly the studies, which are done primarily on rats and rabbits, give conflicting results. Some say NSAIDs have no adverse effect and others say NSAIDs significantly reduce the quality and strength of the tendon during healing…oh whom to believe?
In this 2007 study, rats were randomized into 7 groups and administered 1 of the following analgesics for 14 days: ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen, piroxicam, celecoxib, valdecoxib, or control.
At 14 days, all animals were sacrificed, and repair site tissue was analyzed.
Basic Result: Tendon strength in the control group (No meds) was significantly stronger and had greater maximum load compared with the celecoxib, valdecoxib, and piroxicam groups (P < .05).
Posted on: March 12, 2009
Categories: Modalities / Meds / Supplements
