Table 2.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) recommendationsa
| Scenario | Condition(s) | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Conditions in which NSAID will tend to be most useful (but should be avoided if patient is at high risk of side effects) | Impingement conditions (nerve or soft tissue impingement), tenosynovitis, inflammatory arthropathy | For analgesic use, but no improvement in tendon healing |
| Conditions in which NSAID use might be considered based on clinical findings | Ligament and joint sprains, osteoarthritis, and other degenerative joint conditions, hematomas | Reduces pain and allows for faster return to recovery |
| The value of NSAID remains controversial and should be used with caution | Muscle strains/injury | Likely helpful, useful with pain reduction |
| Conditions in which NSAID use is not generally indicated because they may compromise healing | Isolated chronic tendinopathies (without impingement), fractures | Probably harmful and unlikely to be helpful, particularly with long-term use |