The role of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in sports injuries.
The running population in the United States is estimated to be more than 60 million, and two out of every three of these runners will seek medical attention because of injuries. The cause of lower extremity injuries is the impulsive impact that occurs on foot strike. At 800 foot strikes per mile, a 150-pound runner will be subjected to forces of 120 tons per foot per mile. The use of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in runners has become widespread. This is especially true in the case of marathon runners who use NSAIDs like piroxicam to relieve their overuse pains so they can continue to run with injuries, although this use is not advocated. NSAIDs do, however, play a role in treating many running injuries and can help the runner return to his chosen sport.
D016512:Ankle Injuries; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy; D012420:Running
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal