Is it okay to take ibuprofen for muscle aches without a fever?

Mar 12, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Tiesheng
Introduction
Common dosage forms of ibuprofen include tablets, capsules, and granules. For muscle soreness without fever, if it is caused by muscle strain or a rheumatic immune disease, ibuprofen may be used under medical guidance. If the soreness is due to lactic acid buildup from strenuous exercise, applying heat, massage, or taking a hot bath on the affected area can help promote blood circulation, accelerate lactic acid metabolism, and thereby relieve the muscle pain.

Common formulations of ibuprofen include tablets, capsules, and granules. If muscle soreness is not accompanied by fever and is caused by muscle strain or rheumatic immune diseases, ibuprofen may be used under medical guidance. However, if the muscle soreness is due to lactic acid accumulation caused by strenuous exercise, taking ibuprofen is generally not recommended. If abnormalities occur, timely medical consultation is advised. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If muscle soreness without fever is caused by muscle strain, ibuprofen can be considered. Muscle strain is usually caused by improper posture during exercise or overexertion; this type of pain is inflammatory pain. As a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, ibuprofen has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and can relieve pain caused by muscle strain. Additionally, muscle soreness caused by rheumatic immune diseases can also be relieved by taking ibuprofen.

If muscle soreness is caused by lactic acid accumulation due to strenuous exercise, taking ibuprofen is not recommended. Lactic acid accumulation occurs when a large amount of lactic acid is produced during sudden strenuous exercise and accumulates in the muscles, causing soreness. Ibuprofen cannot directly address lactic acid accumulation and may instead mask the pain signals, which is not conducive to recovery.

If muscle soreness is caused by lactic acid accumulation due to strenuous exercise, heat application, massage, or taking a hot bath on the affected area can help promote blood circulation, accelerate lactic acid metabolism, and thereby alleviate muscle soreness.

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