When you’re training regularly, aches, pains and inflammation can sometimes become part of the process. A hard workout can leave your muscles and joints feeling sore, while an injury can cause pain, swelling and inflammation.

This is where anti-inflammatory medicines, commonly known as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), can sometimes help.

But taking an anti-inflammatory tablet shouldn’t simply be about taking something because you’re sore after training. Understanding what they actually do, when they may be useful and when you should avoid them is important.

Important: This article is general information, not medical advice. Always follow the instructions on the medicine you are taking and speak to a pharmacist or GP if you’re unsure whether an anti-inflammatory is suitable for you.

What are anti-inflammatory tablets?

NSAIDs include medicines such as ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin. They can help reduce pain, inflammation and swelling.

Inflammation is part of the body’s natural response to injury or irritation. It can cause swelling, heat, stiffness and pain around an affected area.

NSAIDs work by reducing substances in the body involved in producing pain and inflammation. This can make movement more comfortable and help you manage certain injuries or inflammatory conditions.

When might they be useful?

Anti-inflammatory medicines can be used for a range of problems, including things such as:

• Muscle and joint pain
• Sprains and strains
• Pain following an injury
• Arthritis
• Period pain
• Some inflammatory conditions

They are designed to manage symptoms, rather than magically fix the underlying problem.

For someone who trains regularly, that distinction is important.

If you’ve injured yourself, taking an anti-inflammatory and then pushing through a workout because the pain has reduced isn’t necessarily a good idea. Pain can be your body’s warning system.

Reducing pain doesn’t automatically mean the injury has healed.

What about normal post-workout soreness?

his is where you need to think carefully.

Feeling sore after a tough workout doesn’t automatically mean you need anti-inflammatory medication.

Sometimes the best recovery tools are much simpler:

Sleep. Hydration. Good nutrition. Appropriate rest. Movement. Recovery.

If you’re constantly relying on medication to get through your training sessions, it may be time to look at your training load and recovery rather than simply reaching for another tablet.

Your mindset shouldn’t be:

“How can I get rid of this pain so I can train?”

It should be:

“What is my body telling me?”

That’s a very different approach.

Don’t use medication to hide an injury

This is particularly important if you’re training hard.

Pain is information.

If you’ve developed significant pain, swelling, restricted movement or an injury during training, don’t simply mask the symptoms and carry on.

A strong mindset isn’t about ignoring every warning your body gives you.

It’s about having the discipline to recognise when you need to push and when you need to recover.

Knowing the difference is part of training intelligently.

Are anti-inflammatory tablets safe?

For many people, NSAIDs can be used safely when taken correctly, but they aren’t suitable for everyone and they can cause side effects.

Common side effects can include indigestion, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhoea and dizziness. More serious problems, although uncommon, can include stomach ulcers or bleeding and kidney problems.

The risk can increase with higher doses or longer-term use. For example, the NHS advises adults taking common over-the-counter ibuprofen to use the smallest dose needed for the shortest time necessary and not to take it for more than 10 days unless advised by a doctor.

Who should be particularly careful?

You should speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking NSAIDs if you have certain medical conditions or take particular medicines.

This can include people with a history of stomach ulcers, some forms of asthma, heart, liver or kidney problems, blood-clotting problems, or those taking medicines such as blood thinners, steroids or certain antidepressants.

NSAIDs are also generally not recommended during pregnancy unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional.

And importantly, don’t take more than one NSAID at the same time unless you’ve specifically been told to do so. For example, taking ibuprofen alongside naproxen can increase the risk of serious side effects.

Always check the packaging and patient information leaflet for the specific medicine you’re taking.

The Military Mindset approach

Military Mindset isn’t about simply pushing through everything.

It’s about discipline, preparation, resilience and making good decisions under pressure.

That includes knowing when to train hard and knowing when your body needs recovery.

Medication can have an important role when it’s appropriate, but it shouldn’t become a substitute for proper recovery, good nutrition, hydration, sleep and sensible training.

Your body is the equipment you rely on.

Look after it.

Before reaching for an anti-inflammatory, ask yourself:

Do I need this because I have an inflammatory injury or condition, or am I simply trying to silence normal training soreness so I can keep going?

That small question could make a big difference to how you approach your training and recovery.

Train hard. Recover properly. Listen to your body. Stay disciplined.

That’s Military Mindset.