[pct-l] Ibuprofen or Vitamin I

[Ellen Shopes]

I tend to agree with some of what you say.  Ibuprofen (and other 
COX-inhibitors) have a number of problems.  The most common side effect is 
gastric irritation, which can sometimes be minimized by taking it with 
meals.  It also decreases renal blood flow, which is a problem for people 
who may be dehydrated or already have marginal kidney function.  We avoid 
using this class of drugs on older people having surgery if their kidney 
function is impaired.  Because of its effects on the kidney, it has been 
linked to hyponatremia (low sodium levels) in endurance athletes.  It also 
inhibits platelet function and makes one more susceptible to bleeding and 
bruising.  Finally, there has been concern in the orthopedic community for 
some time about impaired bone formation and delayed healing of fractures 
(for those of you prone to stress fractures).
Understanding all that, it is not unreasonable to use the recommended  (read 
the label) dosing schedule.  Just be aware of potential problems should they 
be encountered.
I am also hesitant to 'mask' an early injury with an anti-inflammatory/pain 
reliever.  Part of this means knowing your body.  I usually avoid taking it 
for my back (I'll just push my limits until it goes out), but will use it 
for knee pain.  An alternative is Tylenol.  It is not a COX-inhibitor and 
therefore does not have the same side effect profile.  It is an excellent 
pain killer, the long-acting stuff is helpful, but can cause liver problems 
if used excessively.
OK, probably more info than anybody wanted!
Elderly Ellen


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Brendon Melville" <brendonmelville at hotmail.com>
To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Friday, March 20, 2009 4:48 PM
Subject: [pct-l] Ibuprofen or Vitamin I


>
> After reading the Yogi guide and some journals from last year that 
> thur-hikers are taking lots of Ibuprofen.
>
>
>
> I know that Ibuprofen is good for muscle pain and is also 
> anti-inflammatory but is it good to treat Ibprofen like a Vitamin ?  Why 
> are thru-hikers taking so much ?
>
>
>
> I ask this questions because I am fighting foot Tendonitis. A problem that 
> I must overcome before the starting the PCT hike. Part of my treatment is 
> taking anti-inflammatory drugs.
>
> When I take these drugs I know I could run eight miles on my foot easy, 
> because they are also masking the pain. But I also know this would be 
> stupid. Taking Ibuprofen on the trail everyday could be masking foot pain 
> for a short time, making the problem worst.
>
>
>
> Since I have develop tendonitis, I have change my training for the PCT. 
> Now in the morning I train by watching "Band of brothers" on DVD. Later in 
> the evening I cross train by spending an hour or two on the playstation.
>
>
>
> Brendon
>
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