Ibuprofen Gel

[Golf-1]

In the erlier days of my PMR I remember being advised not to take Ibuprofen as a pain relief.

Does that apply to the Gel as I have had a trip in the garden and pulled a hamstring, ouch.

Many years ago I tore my calf muscle about five weeks before running the London Marathon, the pharmasisit advise me not to run, I said that was not an option and asked what she could offer to relieve the pain.

She gave me Ibuprofen Gel, it worked and I ran the marathon, so I would like to use it on my thigh.

Advice please

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

You can use gel - I did for arthritic knee whilst still on Pred. But it needs to be used sparingly -and not on too big an area -as some is still absorbed through skin.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

The reason for not using oral ibuprofen is a) is it doesn't usually work in PMR and b) it can cause gastric irritation which risks bleeding occuring and since pred does the same it would be a double whammy. The topical stuff is also absorbed but the risk of bleeding is far less.

[Golf-1 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you ladies, just applied some Ibuleve and have ordered a thigh support on Amazon that should arrive today. I am hoping to play in a golf charity event in 12 days time, fingers crossed