Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for treating lateral elbow pain in adults

Abstract

There remains limited evidence from which to draw firm conclusions about the benefits or harms of topical or oral NSAIDs in treating lateral elbow pain. Although data from five placebo-controlled trials suggest that topical NSAIDs may be beneficial in improving pain (for up to 4 weeks), non-normal distribution of data and other methodological issues precluded firm conclusions. Some people may expect a mild transient skin rash. Evidence about the benefits of oral NSAIDs has been conflicting, although oral NSAID use may result in gastrointestinal adverse effects in some people. No direct comparisons between oral and topical NSAIDs were available. Some trials demonstrated greater benefit from glucocorticoid injection than from NSAIDs in the short term, but this was not apparent in all studies and was not apparent by 6 months in the only study that included longer-term outcomes.

Lateral epicondylitis of the elbow

“…Even if their use is superior to a placebo, no differences between oral and topical NSAIDs have been established. 29 …”

Análisis de la eficacia sobre el dolor y la capacidad funcional en el abordaje terapéutico de la epicondilopatía lateral crónica del codo con ondas de choque extracorpóreas radiales

“…Sobre el tratamiento con AINE orales, tiene una evidencia limitada respecto a los antiinflamatorios tópicos y no queda claro si el beneficio que aportan los AINE orales compensa los riesgos gastrointestinales (38) . Las infiltraciones con corticoides muestran beneficios solo a corto plazo.…”

Effectiveness of various non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in pain management of patients with vertebral fracture: A comparative clinical study

“…Chronic use of NSAIDs often causes one or more side-effects including gastric irritation, stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, renal failure, cardiac arrest, and stroke [3][4][5][6]. Relief from the severe pain associated with lumbar disorders requires high doses of NSAIDs for prolonged periods of time.…”