From the Research
Ibuprofen is the most suitable NSAID for tendonitis, typically taken at 400-600mg three times daily with food for 7-14 days, as it has been shown to have similar analgesic efficacy to other doses and has a relatively safe profile 1.
Key Considerations
- When taking NSAIDs, it's essential to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration to minimize side effects like stomach irritation, kidney issues, or increased cardiovascular risk.
- Combining NSAID treatment with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) enhances recovery.
- If you have heart disease, kidney problems, or a history of stomach ulcers, consult your doctor before using NSAIDs, as acetaminophen (Tylenol) might be a safer alternative despite being less effective for inflammation.
Alternative Options
- Naproxen and diclofenac may also be effective for tendonitis, but ibuprofen is generally considered a good alternative due to its relatively safe profile and similar efficacy to other NSAIDs.
Important Notes
- A study on the effects of ibuprofen on human tendinopathic tissue found no indication that short-term ibuprofen treatment affects gene expression in human chronic tendinopathic tendon or leads to any clear changes in tendon pain or function 2.
- Another study compared the analgesic efficacy of oral ibuprofen at different doses and found similar reductions in pain scores for all subjects in each of the three groups 1.
- The current literature does not provide sufficient evidence for or against the use of NSAIDs following acute injury or surgical repair of the tendon-bone interface 3.
- Coprescribing proton-pump inhibitors with NSAIDs may potentiate gastrointestinal risks associated with NSAIDs, and caution is advised when interpreting results due to possible pathological differences in tendinopathy at each region 4, 5.