A
number of walkers in previous years have taken over the counter or prescribed anti
inflammatory tablets before, during or after the Parish Walk in order to try
and reduce muscle pain during the event and also aid recovery after the walk.
Anti
inflammatory tablets come in a number of types the more common ones include Ibuprofen,
Naproxen, Aspirin and Diclofenac (Voltarol).
Anti
inflammatory tablets work by preventing the production of prostaglandins which
act as messengers in inflammation. However, prostaglandins also have a
protective effect on the stomach lining and kidneys and anti inflammatory
medications reduce this protective effect and may cause side effect which can
include gastrointestinal bleeding and acute kidney damage.
These
side effects are particularly important when combined with dehydration which is
a common problem during endurance events and there have been incidents in the
past of kidney failure requiring hospital admission after the Parish Walk.
In
addition, studies have found little actual performance benefit of taking
ibuprofen and warn that it may mask pain, which can lead to increased risk of
injury. Further studies have cautioned that anti inflammatory drugs used during
ultra distance exercise are associated with an increased risk of altered kidney
function which is exacerbated by dehydration.
Dr
David Walker
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