FYI: Hiking the AT, I was taking Ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflamatories (NSAs) in rotation for knee pain. Through a comedy of errors, I was forced to stop taking all NSAs. Within 3-4 weeks I had no significant joint pain. Occasionally, I took Tylenol after a particularly long day. When I told an orthopedic surgeon about this, he said that the NSAs interfered with healing. Taking them provides temporary relief from unusual pain and swelling, but does not help in the long run.

Seems as if hikers' heavy reliance on Vitamin I is misplaced. Be advised.