Originally Posted by
Bacciagalupe
Ibuprofen -- and actually, any NSAID, like aspirin or naproxen sodium -- not only masks pain, it reduces inflammation. (NSAID = non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug)
Acetaminophen (Tylenol), in contrast, is not an NSAID and will only reduce pain.
That is true, which is why it is useful -- but not before a ride. However, if the issue is cartilage, anti-inflammatories aren't going to help. (Again, I seriously doubt the OP has cartilage damage, but it's always good to play it safe and get it checked out by an OS if the pain does not improve).