Inflammation has now been shown to promote healing, so using anti-inflammatory analgesics, while they control pain and swelling, retard healing. Injuries stimulate the production of IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor) and the body manages a symphony when it comes to regulating inflammation and healing. Steroids are the ultimate example of reducing inflammation and slowing healing of the tissues. It is why we use only a limited number of steroid injections for single areas of the body.
