A
commonly underrated hazard is the use of pain medication, including over-the-counter
favorites like acetaminophen (Tylenol
and others). Patients often take them
for fairly minor pain, sometimes with the idea that the “anti-inflammatory” or
some other effect will improve healing. However,
a new study [1] in the Annals of the Rheumatic
Diseases (ARD) warns that even standard doses of acetaminophen (or paracetamol,
as it’s known in the UK) taken regularly can damage kidney function, especially
with higher dose levels. This doesn’t mean
we shouldn’t take any pain medicine for an injury, or that acetaminophen is especially
harmful compared to other pain relievers; it does remind us to be
respectful of harmful side effects from these medications, and to only use them
when necessary. (Although this 2015
study only looked at acetaminophen, most pain relievers have been found to have
comparable risks.) Some steps to
consider are applying heat, ice, massage, physical therapy, supplements, or activity
modification – for example, if something hurts when you move, rest it as much
as possible. Any persistent pain needs
appropriate medical evaluation, but talk to your physician about other
alternatives to over-the-counter pain medications.
Miles
Hassell MD
[1] Roberts,
E. et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2015;0:1–8.
doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-206914
