Introduction:
Healthcare professionals are increasingly under pressure to return athletes to play in the shortest possible
time. There is limited choice in providing treatment that speeds up tissue repair, while simultaneously
maintaining good quality of healing. Although inflammation forms a fundamental part in the process of
tissue repair, it may cause more pain, and limit functional restoration. Anti-inflammatory treatment with a
cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitor (coxibs) differs in its mechanism of action (Fig.1), and has been widely
recognised as being effective. Its potential detrimental effect on tissue repair, as described mainly in animal
model studies, needs to be taken into account. Although the side-effects profile on the gastrointestinal tract
favour coxibs over traditional NSAIDs, possible effects on the renal and cardiovascular systems also need
to be considered. The prescription of coxibs should be pathology and situation specific. No clear guidelines
are available on the correct time of administration and course duration, however literature is in agreement
that administration should be for a limited time at the lowest effective dose possible.

The poster was published in :South African Family Practice 2015; 57(2):17-21

http://www.safpj.co.za/index.php/safpj/article/view/4244