Over-the-Counter Pain Medication for Sports Injuries Menu Verywell Fit Nutrition Weight Management Nutrition Facts Nutrition Basics Diets Meal Plans Meal Delivery Services View All News Fitness and Nutrition What to Buy How We Test Products Fitness Gear Nutrition Products Tools Recipe Nutrition Calculator Weight Loss Calorie Goal BMI Calculator Body Fat Percentage Calculator Calories Burned by Activity Daily Calories Burned Pace Calculator About Us Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Search Sports Nutrition Over-the-Counter Pain Medication for Sports Injuries By Elizabeth Quinn Elizabeth Quinn Elizabeth Quinn is an exercise physiologist, sports medicine writer, and fitness consultant for corporate wellness and rehabilitation clinics. Learn about our editorial process Updated on December 05, 2021 Medically reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and nutrition and exercise healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Tyra Tennyson Francis, MD Medically reviewed by Tyra Tennyson Francis, MD Tyra Tennyson Francis, MD, is a board-certified family medicine physician and currently serves as the medical director of an outpatient clinic. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print Stockbyte / Getty Images Most athletes will use an over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication at some point to cope with minor aches, pains, and injuries. These drugs are some of the most widely used medications, but they aren't always well understood by most of the people who take them. They are reliable and effective when used appropriately for moderate pain relief, but they also have risks and potential side effects. Types of Over-the-Counter Pain Medications There are two basic types of over-the-counter pain relievers: Acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which include aspirin. Acetaminophen Acetaminophen (examples include Tylenol and Panadol) is effective at reducing pain and fever, but not inflammation. It works by acting on the serotonergic, endocannabinoid, and vanilloid systems of the brain and is considered a safe pain reliever for children and adults, although high doses may damage the liver. Acetaminophen is often recommended for arthritis-related pain because it doesn't cause stomach irritation. NSAIDs NSAIDs are effective at reducing aches, pain, fever, and inflammation. They work by blocking all prostaglandins, substances produced by the body that act as mediators for a variety of physiologic functions, including those related to these issues, as well as protection of the stomach lining and regulation of blood pressure (relaxes blood vessels and prevents clot formation). However, NSAIDs can cause stomach upset or gastrointestinal bleeding in some people, aren't recommended for use before or during endurance activities, and are not considered safe for pregnant women. The risk of problems increases with long-term use. Non-Aspirin Options Non-aspirin NSAIDs include Advil and Motrin (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen sodium), and Orudis KT (ketoprofen). These NSAID options have been shown to be more effective in treating pain than the same dose of acetaminophen, but they also increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. Aspirin Though classified as an NSAID, aspirin has some unique properties: it acts as a blood thinner and can help prevent blood clots.it's the only pain reliever shown to reduce the risk of heart attack.it may reduce colon cancer risk. Topical pain medications used by athletes (Bengay, Aspercreme, and Sportscreme) often contain salicylates (methyl salicylates), the same ingredients found in aspirin. They are effective pain relievers that also reduce inflammation when absorbed by the skin and used appropriately, but topical salicylate toxicity is possible with prolonged use. Aspirin should not be taken by children under 16 who have chickenpox or flu symptoms, due to the risk of Reye's syndrome (it should never be used by kids under 3). It is also not recommended for those with stomach problems, ulcers, kidney disease, bleeding disorders, or aspirin allergies. A Word From Verywell If you take any supplements or medications for another medical condition (such as high blood pressure, arthritis, diabetes, an ulcer, or even acne), ask your doctor or pharmacist about possible interactions between them and these OTC pain medications before taking them. If you feel the need to take a pain reliever for more than 10 days, consult with your doctor to ensure that other treatment is not necessary and that continued use of the medication you're taking is safe for you. Read and follow the label directions and don't take more than the recommended dose. Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Arencibia, Z. B., & Choonara, I. Balancing the Risks and Benefits of the Use of Over-the-Counter Pain Medications in Children. Drug Safety, 2012. 35(12), 1119–1125. doi:10.1007/bf03261998 Mallet, C., Eschalier, A., & Daulhac, L. Paracetamol: Update on its Analgesic Mechanism of Action. Pain Relief - From Analgesics to Alternative Therapies. 2017. doi:10.5772/66649 Onda A, Ogoshi A, Itoh M, Nakagawa T, Kimura M. Comparison of the effects of treatment with celecoxib, loxoprofen, and acetaminophen on postoperative acute pain after arthroscopic knee surgery: A randomized, parallel-group trial. Journal of Orthopaedic Science. 2016;21(2):172-177. doi:10.1016/j.jos.2015.11.005 Salicylate Poisoning Potential of Topical Pain Relief Agents: From Age Old Remedies to Engineered Smart Patches. Medicines. 2017;4(3):48. doi:10.3390/medicines4030048 By Elizabeth Quinn Elizabeth Quinn is an exercise physiologist, sports medicine writer, and fitness consultant for corporate wellness and rehabilitation clinics. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit Related Articles Effects of Ibuprofen on Athletic Performance and Health When Should You Take Anti-Inflammatory Medications? Blueberry Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits How to Use Essential Oils for Soothing Muscle Pain and Soreness The 13 Best Pain Relief Creams of 2022 Gluten-Free Pain Relievers List How Melatonin Helps With Fat Loss and Muscle Gain Endorphins: The Body's Natural Pain Relievers Sports Injury? Do This Right Away! Should You Take a Pain Pill Before or During a Marathon? Got the Flu? These Cough, Cold, and Flu Medications are Gluten-Free Digestive Enzymes: Are They Worth Trying? 5 Ways to Fix That Pain in Your Neck How to Treat a Hamstring Pull, Tear, or Strain What to Do When Yoga Makes You Sore What is Water Weight and Do I Need to Get Rid of It? When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Cookies Settings Reject All Accept All