There is a long standing saying in the world of running which is 'Ibruprofen - the runners recreational drug of choice'. But many people are warned away from this drug because of potential problems associated with stomach problems.
Because of my age, and the fact that I have had bad knees from childhood, I have been taking glucosamine + chondroitin (500/400) since I first starting running 4 years ago. Whilst it took around 6 weeks to take effect, the results were fantastic.
Chondroitin sulfate is an important structural component of cartilage and provides much of its resistance to compression. Along with glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate has become a widely used dietary supplement for treatment of osteoarthritis.However, in the early days I always found that during and after my longer or harder runs my knees would feel swollen and sore, often meaning ice packs and an enforced rest.
When speaking with friends and listening to some of the experiences of much older and wiser runners, I concluded there were a couple of things I could do to help prevent and/or recover from this discomfort.
The first piece of advice offered was to take an ice bath after a long hard run. This they said, would 'assist the muscle tissues to recover faster'. The second piece of advice was to take Ibruprofen gels, because this could also be proventative.
I have been taking Ibruprofen now for 3 years. 2 gels the night before a run, and 2 gels on the morning of a run, and 2 gels after the run. I have never had recurring problems or symptoms, and along with the glucosamine + chondroitin, I was running more miles than anyone else I knew, and felt like a 20 year old again.
Then I heard some news on the TV and from fellow runners on Twitter about the potential dangers of Ibruprofen, so I stopped taking it as from March this year. After running the worlds first Kilomathon on March 11th, I noticed sever joint pains and swelling every time I ran. However, I persisted and ran through the discomfort which eventually led me back to an enforced period of rest again. The side effect of which was moodiness, depression, anxiety and frustration. I must have been a real pain in the ass to live with.
A week ago I booked a consultation with my doctor who, knowing my entire history, suggested I go back onto the full doseage as previous and we would speak again on the telephone in one week. It had worked a treat, and virtually overnight too, but I knew it would, but my concern over the medication remained.
The doctor called me today and the bottom line is.... we spoke at length about the problems of Ibrupofen and re-assured me I was NOT at risk of any problems as this drug does not CAUSE stomach problems, but is associated with medical pre-conditions.
So, Im back to building up my mileage and fitness and looking forward to gettin some new PB's this year.
*Ibruprofen is an Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and they are non-narcotic. Easy, shove in your mouth and swallow (with food).
*An ice bath take some courage, and is hard to get in, not to mention get out again after the recommended 15 minutes minimum.
Interesting!
ReplyDeleteI, like yourself had heard bad things about taking Ibuprofen and so have avoided it when I can.
Sort of reassuring hearing from a consultant that it's not so bad after all!
Personally, I'd take 20mins an ice bath after a long run any day. Definitely helps.
Another great post. Keep them coming sir!
Steven, as I've got a bit of a dodgy knee, I've been taking Glucosamine for years.
ReplyDeleteA couple of years ago I started taking Ibuprofen to keep down swelling/pain - I don't take them all the time only when I think I'm going to be running harder/further than normal.
I took them when competing in the P Coy Challenge last year, the Kilomathon and the Ashby 20 this year. I forgot them at the start of the London Marathon and suffered towards the end - I don't know for a fact that Ibuprofen would helped but it certainly didn't help me psychologically.....
I always take Ibuprofen on top of food - even if only a piece of toast.
I have not experienced any stomach issues other than the one all runners suffer from when you're dressed in shorts and miles from home/toilet facilities :-)
That was very interesting and informative, I myself am suffering with my knees and ankles at the moment and have been using freeze gel and volterol to get me through my runs, feeling guilty if I took Ibuprofen tablets because my hubby suffers from stomach ulcers. I will now try your system and hope that works for me too. The Ice bath bit, tried it but it was too cool for me.
ReplyDeleteVoltarol e/c tablets, Voltarol dispersible tablets, Voltarol SR tablets and Voltarol retard tablets all contain the active ingredient diclofenac sodium, which is a type of medicine called a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs are used to relieve pain and inflammation. (NB. Diclofenac is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.)
ReplyDeleteDiclofenac works by blocking the action of a substance in the body called cyclo-oxygenase (COX). Cyclo-oxygenase is involved in the production of various chemicals in the body, some of which are known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced by the body in response to injury and certain diseases and conditions, and cause pain, swelling and inflammation. Diclofenac blocks the production of these prostaglandins and is therefore effective at reducing inflammation and pain.
Diclofenac is used to relieve pain and inflammation in a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including various forms of arthritis, gout, sprains, fractures, dislocations, back pain, tendinitis and frozen shoulder. It is also used to relieve pain and inflammation following dental, orthopaedic (bone) and other minor surgery.
Voltarol e/c tablets have a special 'enteric coating' that is designed to prevent the absorption of the diclofenac in the stomach, and thus reduce the risk of stomach irritation and indigestion. The diclofenac is absorbed when the tablet reaches the intestine. The tablets should be swallowed whole to avoid damaging this coating.
Voltarol dispersible tablets are dissolved in water before taking. The diclofenac solution is rapidly absorbed from the gut, so this type of Voltarol tablet provides pain relief more quickly than the other types of tablet. However, the solution is more likely to irritate the stomach lining, because it doesn't have the advantage of the protective enteric-coat. The dispersible tablets are therefore most suitable for short-term use. They shouldn't be used for longer than three months.
Voltarol SR tablets and Voltarol retard tablets are sustained-release tablets. They contain higher doses of diclofenac and are designed to release this slowly and continuously over a few hours. This provides more prolonged pain relief, so these tablets are usually taken once a day. These tablets must also be swallowed whole to avoid damaging the sustained-release action.
All types of Voltarol tablet should preferably be taken with food to help avoid irritating the stomach.
Studies have suggested that use of diclofenac may be associated with a small increase in the risk of heart attacks and stroke. The risks increase with higher doses and the longer the medicine is taken. If you have risk factors for heart disease or stroke, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or smoking, your doctor will need to assess the overall benefits and risks before deciding if this medicine is suitable for you. You should tell your doctor if you experience shortness of breath, chest pains or ankle swelling while taking the medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for further information.