I had a long ride today and sometimes when I do I take a precautionary low dose of Ibuprofen (400 mg) afterwards to keep the inflammation down, with the thought that this might help recovery. Is this thinking valid? Should I take a full dose instead?
How bout an ice bath instead?
Let’s assume I’m too lazy for that.
You’re too lazy for sitting?
Anyways, I say bad idea. But I’m no doctor. I’ll leave it to them to echo my sentiment.
It’s my understanding from multiple doctors that to get the anti-inflammatory benefits
of ibuprofen you need to take it consistently over a longer period of time.
So, no.
Then again, I’m not a Dr.
-Jot
as an FYI, ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory.
Ginger tea, candied ginger, ginger snaps (those probably don’t have that much ginger in them)
Bad idea. There is some evidence that it may prolong recovery. Also, not good for your kidneys. Ask Alonzo Mourning.
Honestly, it’s so cold riding right now that the thought of standing in ice for any length of time is not appealing.
I’m not going to eat ginger either. Yuck. Sorry, I’m stubborn.
cold? what is it like 50 degrees?
Your legs get inflammed from riding??
Personally I’d be more concerned with that fact vs. trying to mask the problem with a med.
If it’s just general soreness a better long term solution would be rolling out the legs, stretching, recov type measures vs. popping pills… save that stuff for trauma and as an option of last resort.
This is America however so dose up !
40 when I left this morning. I know, I know you’re probaly laughing right now but 40 on the bike is cold.
Does ginger ale count for ginger consumption?
I guess I could ice bag my knees or go stand in our pool which is probably still in the 40’s.
I don’t think there is any evidence that oral NSAIDs after a strenuous workout aids recovery at all. Since you are often dehydrated, can be hard on the kidneys as was mentioned.
It’s mostly my knees that get pretty tender. Quads get tired and sore but no so much as the knees.
OK scrap that idea.
Ah, gotcha.
Fwiw, when I had some knee issues it was always due to a tight quad muscle or two above the area. Once I got vigilant with digging in them on a regular basis the knee stuff went away. Unfortunately some of the knots are pretty deep in there and difficult to find.
Yea, i would only really use it after a workout (not really a good idea before in any cases) if you tend to get pain or aches after, which shouldn’t really happen after biking as much as running. In your case of “soreness” i wouldn’t really use it.
I’m not going to eat ginger either. Yuck. Sorry, I’m stubborn.
Were you going to eat the ibuprofen? You can take ginger in a pill.
I’ll look into that rolling thing.
Ginger in a pill? Who knew, I’ll look into that also.