[Should non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents be used in acute soft tissue injuries?]

Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs are often used to treat acute soft-tissue injuries. The results of controlled studies are controversial, however, regarding the effect of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs in these conditions. This article refers to a meta-analysis from 1990 by Almekinders, summing up a number of studies on the issue. A Norwegian study by Lereim & Gabor from 1985 is also discussed. The author's conclusion is that soft-tissue injuries should be treated conservatively, perhaps with the addition of mild analgesics such as paracetamol.