My doctor gave me an anti-inflammatory medication for my recent muscle contusion. How do these kinds of drugs work? Do they have any negative effects I should know about?
Inflammation is the body's natural response to trauma. Inflammation causes healing cells to move to the site of the injury, to begin the process of repair. Inflammation also causes pain and swelling. The medication you've been prescribed is supposed to ease swelling and pain from inflammation.
Nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are very safe and effective when used for short periods of time. With long-term use, however, they may reduce muscle strength and healing. For this reason, NSAIDs may only be advised for the first few days after an injury.
Researchers are still trying to answer questions about the long-term effects of NSAIDs. Your doctor can tell you more about what he or she expects in your case.
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