Should I take NSAIDs for a non-union in a runner?

A metatarsal fracture "non-union" is what doctors call it when you broke the bone, it started to heal, but then the fracture kind of quit healing. Usually it means you got a bunch of scar tissue between the ends of the bone. 

Sometimes that happens without you or your doctor realizing it. The problem gets worse if you start running on it.  

The question is, "should I take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (or NSAIDs)? 

NSAID's are medications like ibuprofen and naproxen. These drugs are not steroids, but they stop inflammation. Many runners take them for all kinds of aches and pains after training. The question is, is it a good idea or not when you may have a metatarsal fracture non-union?

Should a runner take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications for a non-union? 

Well, that's what we're talking about today on the Doc On The Run Podcast.