Why avoid anti-inflammatories in case of fracture?

Getting injured is part of every athlete's daily life, and these moments are often an opportunity to rethink our practices, to better understand our body and to progress differently. More than the final result or performance, it is this path, with its obstacles and learnings, that shapes an athlete. And it is in this spirit that we approach the case of Anouar, a passionate reader of 3bikes.fr, and that we bytaglet us have the valuable expertise of Doctor Laurent Aumont on his case.

By Jeff Tatard – Photos: DR

The story of Anouar and his daughter's clairvoyance

Anouar, who suffered a stress fracture, was unable to heal as he had hoped.. Thinking he was doing the right thing, he had gotten into the habit of taking an ibuprofen tablet every day to ease the inflammation and pain. However, weeks passed without any noticeable improvement.

This is where his daughter, a third-year physiotherapy student, comes in. Observing the situation, she makes a decisive remark to him: “Dad, you're making a mistake. Anti-inflammatory drugs can slow bone healing.” This advice, both simple and enlightened, reflects a real talent for observation and a fine understanding of the repair mechanisms of the human body, even at this stage of its formation.

Intrigued, Anouar turned to us. To delve deeper into the question and provide a precise answer, we sought the advice of Dr. Laurent Aumont, a renowned sports physician.

The expertise of Doctor Laurent Aumont

Dr. Laurent Aumont is a respected figure in the medical field. With a career dedicated to high-level athletes, he notably accompanied the stars of PSG for 10 seasons, until the Champions League final in 2020 against Bayern. His experience in the care of complex injuries and his fine understanding of the needs of athletes make him an essential reference.

During our interview, he confirmed the analysis of Anouar's daughter: “Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may interfere with fracture repair, especially stress fractures."

He added: “When a bone is damaged, inflammation is a natural and essential response. It mobilizes the cells needed for repair and triggers the formation of new bone cells. Blocking this inflammation with NSAIDs slows down this process and can even compromise bone healing.. "

This problem, he points out, is common among athletes who seek to mask pain in order to continue training. But, according to him, “Going too fast can have long-term consequences: a poorly consolidated bone is more fragile and exposed to relapses. "

An opportunity to learn and grow

This situation is more than just a medical reminder: it is a lesson in the holistic approach to performance. Pain, as uncomfortable as it may be, is not always the enemy. It is often a valuable indication that the body is repairing itself or needs rest.

Rather than trying to avoid these difficult times, it is important to accept them as an opportunity to reinvent yourself and learn more.tage. The journey, with its challenges and questioning, is often more rewarding than the result itself. It is also in this spirit that we work at 3bikes : supporting athletes in their progress, with patience and reflection.

Doctor Aumont’s recommendations

To manage a stress fracture, Dr. Aumont advises:

1. Adequate rest : reduce stress without total immobilization to avoid muscle wasting.

2. A balanced diet : rich in calcium, vitamin D and protein to support the reconbone structure.

3. Appropriate painkillers : like paracetamol, which does not interfere with natural inflammation.

4. Physiotherapy : gentle exercises to maintain blood circulation and promote healing.