Is it OK for my high school athlete to take ibuprofen frequently for soreness?
No, it's not OK. Ibuprofen in excess can cause irritation to the stomach and, potentially, gastritis or an ulcer. Excessive use of ibuprofen also can cause kidney problems. Instead of ibuprofen, I would recommend that your son use better conditioning exercises before the season—with continued conditioning during the season. This may help your son avoid undue soreness. Also, warm baths and heating pads are ways of dealing with sore muscles that are safer than daily doses of ibuprofen.
Answered by
Elizabeth M. Alderman, M.D.
report abuse
Submit!
