Do Runners Really Need Anti-Inflammatory Medication? A Chicago Rheumatologist Explains

If you find yourself reaching for ibuprofen or naproxen before every run, you’re not alone — but you might be masking a bigger problem. Many runners in Chicago rely on over-the-counter NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) as a routine part of their training or race-day ritual. While these medications have their place, using them as a habit rather than a targeted tool can hide injuries, strain your organs, and delay real healing.

As a Chicago rheumatologist specializing in joint pain and regenerative medicine, I want to walk you through what these medications actually do, when they’re appropriate, and — most importantly — what your pain might really be trying to tell you.

What Are NSAIDs and How Do They Work?

NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen are common over-the-counter medications used to reduce pain and inflammation. They work well for:

• Acute injuries
• Short-term flares of a known musculoskeletal condition
• Temporary, targeted pain relief

But here’s the catch: NSAIDs treat the symptom, not the cause.

The Hidden Risks of Routine NSAID Use

Many runners assume that because these medications are available without a prescription, they’re completely safe to use regularly. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.

Long-Term Risks Include:

• Stomach irritation — increased risk of ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding
• Kidney strain — especially dangerous when combined with dehydration during long runs
• Increased blood pressure and fluid retention
• Elevated cardiovascular risk, particularly in those already at risk

The Endurance Athlete Danger Zone

During prolonged exercise, your body already experiences:

• Dehydration
• Reduced blood flow to the kidneys

Adding an NSAID into that mix can significantly raise the risk of acute kidney injury. In fact, a randomized study of ultramarathon runners found that those taking ibuprofen experienced more acute kidney injuries than those given a placebo.

Why Masking Pain Can Make Things Worse

Pain is your body’s feedback system. When you take medication simply to “push through” recurring discomfort, you may be:

• Continuing to load an injury that’s getting worse
• Delaying proper diagnosis and treatment
• Setting yourself up for a more serious, chronic problem

When Is It Okay to Use an NSAID?

NSAIDs can be reasonable in specific situations, such as:

• A clearly identified, acute injury
• A short-term inflammatory flare
• Limited-duration use, under guidance

This is only appropriate if you don’t have kidney disease, ulcers, uncontrolled hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or other contraindications. This decision should always be personalized to your health history.

What to Ask If You Keep Needing Medication to Run

If you find yourself repeatedly relying on anti-inflammatories just to get through a run, it’s time to dig deeper. Ask yourself:

• Do I have restricted flexibility or range of motion?
• Are certain muscles tight while others are weak?
• Is there a strength imbalance between the two sides of my body?
• Could there be an underlying tendon, joint, bone, or muscle injury?
• Did I increase my mileage too quickly?
• Could my running technique, footwear, or recovery routine be contributing?

The Real Goal: Treat the Cause, Not Just the Symptom

Anti-inflammatory medications can reduce pain temporarily, but they cannot correct:

• Muscle weakness
• Biomechanical asymmetry
• Poor running mechanics
• An untreated underlying injury

The goal isn’t to silence pain so you can keep running through it — the goal is to understand why you’re hurting, treat the actual source, and safely return to the activities you love.

How a Rheumatologist Can Help

At Chicago Arthritis, we specialize in identifying the root causes of joint pain, inflammation, and musculoskeletal injuries in active individuals and runners. Through advanced diagnostics and regenerative medicine options like PRP therapy, we help patients move beyond temporary symptom relief and toward lasting solutions.

Whether you’re dealing with:

• Chronic joint pain
• An autoimmune condition
• Osteoarthritis
• A nagging running injury that won’t go away

…our team can help you get to the source of the problem — not just cover it up.

Take the Next Step Toward Pain-Free Running

If you’re relying on ibuprofen or naproxen just to get through your training, it may be time for a proper evaluation. Don’t let temporary relief prevent long-term healing.

Visit ChicagoArthritis.com to learn more or schedule a consultation with our team today.

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