Many triathletes take anti-inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen, during a race, believing it will get them through the event, easing the ‘normal’ pain felt during a race.
This practice may actually be detrimental to performance. A study found triathletes taking ibuprofen showed signs of kidney impairment, bacteria in the blood and higher levels of tissue inflammation.
The perceived pain and soreness levels felt by the non-users and ibuprofen users was found to be the same!
Anti-inflammatory medication was also found to slow the healing process of muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones. They inhibit the production of prostaglandins that are involved in pain and also in the creation of collagen needed for tissue repair.
Will you think twice before popping a pain killer?
Olympic distance Triathlon on a