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On the one hand, its what helps you build strength.

This happens whether your preferred form of fitness is running, strength training, HIIT, or even walking.

Experts in This Article

Todd McGrath, MD, is a sports medicine specialist at HSS.

woman sweating in the gym

Todd McGrath, MD, is a sports medicine specialist at HSS.

Understandably, wanting to prevent or minimize muscle soreness and inflammation from exercising seems like a no brainer.

There areseveral ways you’re able to go about thisin fact, fromstretchingto massage.

The pathway by which exercise-induced muscle soreness happens is not significantly altered by NSAIDS.

Woman walking on a treadmill at the gym.

Five reasons taking anti-inflammatories before working out is unsafe

1.

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Full body female athlete in sportswear using rowing machine during fitness workout in gym.

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Shutting this down can lead to significant medical issues such as renal failure or a condition calledrhabdomyolysis.

Its serious and can even be life-threatening if not treated early.

Happy woman dancing and listening to music near a green empty wall outdoor in the city.

Todd McGrath, MD, is a sports medicine specialist at HSS.

High-doses of anti-inflammatories or chronic usage are particularly problematic, he adds.

Is there a healthier, safer alternative?

Keep in mind the soreness associated with exercise is not a bad thing, Dr. McGrath says.

Healthy female training in the gym, performing a hip thrust.

We should not be trying to blunt or alter the bodys response to exercise.

He says acetaminophen, which is not an anti-inflammatory, is generally safer.

(But even this should be done sparingly.)

A young black woman doing post-run stretches in the park on the road amidst green grass and trees.

Better still, he suggests altering your activity and giving your body a chance to heal.

Its a prescription for a safer relationship with exercise long-term.

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