What pain meds work best for running?
Paracetamol/ Ibuprofen: What pain meds work best... - Couch to 5K
Paracetamol/ Ibuprofen
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OldflossAdministratorGraduate
None...if you are using them to mask pain on a run.
But if you are using them whilst on the IC, as a painkiller whilst recovering from a running injury...and as part of the recovery RICE process...then a proprietary painkiller which suits you.
We advise never to run with or through pain whilst using painkillers.
Hope this answers your question.
Jonno34Graduate
I get various aches and pains, to be honest a combination of age and weight do not help. These to me are not injury related just becoming a bit old and decrepit. None of them are sharp and I have trained through most of them and improved. They are not something that has come on suddenly whilst running, that happened once, a pulled muscle, which I duly rested. I get a few grumbles at the side of my foot, occasionally in a hip and a knee. They are post run and generally go if I do a day with no run. The level is low and I just use a diclophenac jell on the area. These have become less with time probably due to getting stronger but I stress these are not injuries per say but wear and tear on an ageing chassis. I am 56 and have never been sporty, not even at school, so this is a late dawn of athletisism for me and I expect a grumble or too. I sometimes have a dull ache in the morning which after getting going is fine but if I felt I needed pain relief to run I would not.
in reply to Jonno34
Thanks for your reply, I'll try the gel , it's just old age aches and pains not an injury, hate taking tablets anyway.
I used ibuprofen gel on my lower back when I started and it seemed to work ok. Since I got my running posture sorted, it's no longer a problem.
Couchpotato2Graduate
As Oldfloss says and if you are experiencing pain on a run then something is wrong and your body is telling you so. That in turn let’s you work out what you need to change. Hope you are better soon
in reply to Couchpotato2
It's an old injury, (10 years ago) not running , that plays up. Been through the Drs, physio, hospital nothing they can do, just keep exercising to reduce the meds I need.
Sorry to hear that Uke, I hope you find the solution that works for you. I recommend dynamic stretches before a run and plenty of stretches after abd a hot shower and that should hopefully not add to it at least.
in reply to Couchpotato2
Running helps along with swimming, but I'll try the stretching and the gel several others have recommended. Thanks for your reply. I'll definitely keep running 😀
Yes I’ve used ibuprofen gel but was pleased a potent natural option too for long term. Glad you plan to keep running
The theory is that we experience pain as a signal not to do whatever causes it. It seems to do two things: (1) tell your conscious mind to stop doing it, and, importantly (2) tell your unconscious brain where to send the 'fix-it' squad.
Non-Specific Anti-Inflammatory drugs like Aspirin, Paracetamol, and Ibuprofen, dampen down both responses. So you need to be aware of that.
I sharp, unexpected, pain when running is a clear indication that (1) needs to kick in 'Now'. But that nagging pain after running is probably more useful as (2), to mobilise the repair quickly.
I am not a doctor, just a scientifically trained avid reader about running. The quickest way to proper advice these days is probably a qualified pharmacist.
What I do is to use Ibuprofen applied as a gel to my osteoarthritis if the dull pain stops me sleeping - sleep is also important to recovery, but I don't take tablets unless the agony is unbearable - or instructed by medics.
As to which is best, it all depends on your metabolism, they are all dangerous if misused.
in reply to theoldfellow
Thanks, I have asked, was reading an article about Ibuprofen and the effect it has.
GrannyhugsGraduate
Check with doctor 1st if you are fit to run. Dont let pain relief mask injury caused by running as you will make the problems worse. Ensure you stretch well after runs and warm up before. Exercise can be magnificent in building the muscle required to support problem in joint and backs etc. Seek advice to help you reach exercise based rather than medical based pain relief if this is deemed possible. Good luck
in reply to Grannyhugs
Thank you, for your reply.
RealfoodieclubGraduate
With only one kidney I am banned from taking ibuprofen, so I stay clear of it. Do you take you back pain meds regularly? If so I would worry about mixing with others. I do find sometimes a good stretch after a run can help with running related pain, it sort of helps to put everything back in place as your muscles recover. When I first started I had to do that religiously after every run otherwise I felt it. It is a good place to start if you have niggles. Happy running. Rfc x
in reply to Realfoodieclub
I've just started doing stretching and use a roller, I try not to use anything else. But will try the gel.
I found a natural oil version with camphor eucalyptus and rosemary from pharmacist, i really recommended it, it’s called for joints and muscles
mrrunGraduate
I wouldn't take any to run but would ask my physio for her opinion.
KatnapGraduate
Take care. You could mask other pain. Running can help build core strength so additional core strength exercises may help your back pain.
Happy Xmas running!
🎅🐱 Xmas Katnap 🐱🎅
HGVDanGraduate
I've taken ibuprofen before a 10k as I had sore legs
Was a nice fast run but a friend who's a physio went mad at me for it apparently very dangerous practice that I won't do again
Tasha99Graduate
Ibuprofen
AngryFlowerGraduate
It’s not necessarily the case of which pain killer is better but which is more suitable for you. It is worth noting that whilst ibuprofen is a great product if inflammation is present, like aspirin it’s not without side affects. I don’t know your personal situation or whether you are taking any other medication are on blood thinners or have any existing stomach conditions. If you are, my advice as someone who has worked in a pharmacy and subsequently the healthcare industry is that regardless of which painkiller you ultimately choose, you should check with a pharmacist before embarking on a ‘regime’ of painkillers, it may save you from drug interactions which can be serious or exacerbating an existing condition. I don’t mean to put you off but this forum probably isn’t the most appropriate place for pharmaceutical recommendations.
Turmeric powder is a herbal medication and great against pain. I use it as a daily supplement and my back pain is gone
Thank you, I don't like taking tablets but I'll check this out.
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