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Another (swollen) Finger Problem 23-Nov-2005 At 12:31:30 PM DaCrux

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On 23/11/2005 cavemonster wrote:
>
>>which also relieves pain
>
>I see pain relief and the masking of pain as two seperate things entirely.
>The pain relief you gain from Voltaren is due to the fact you have reduced
>swelling and hence are treating the injury.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX), which is an enzyme that converts arachidonic acid into prostaglandins and other compounds (prostacyclin & thromboxane A2). COX is founds in all tissues and helps regulate multiple processes, but at the site of injury it catalyses the synthesis of prostaglandins E2 and I2, which promote inflammation and sensitises receptors to painful stimuli. In the brain COX-derived prostaglandins contribute to perception of pain. Therefore by inhibiting cyclooxygenase, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Voltaren) can actually prevent pain. Whilst NSAIDs can inhibit synthesis of prostaglandins in both the CNS and the periphery, paracetamol (Panadol) has minimal effects on prostaglandin synthesis at peripheral sites and acts mainly on the CNS. Whilst it reduces pain, it has no anti-inflammatory properties. If you really wanted to know ;)
sorry I'm being a real troll now