Tendons, also known sinews, connect muscle to bone. They are strong bands of connective tissue primarily made up of bundles of collagen. Both weekend and professional athletes can damage their tendons with overuse, causing pain and inflammation. According to K.M. Khan of the University of British Columbia, injuries to the tendons comprise 30 to 50 percent of all sports injuries. Certain supplements may have the potential to help. Check with your health care provider to see if they are right for you, especially if you are taking medications or are being treated for any medical condition.
Bromelain
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends bromelain as a supplement for people with tendinitis, an inflammation of the tendons that causes swelling, tenderness and pain. Bromelain is a complex mixture of protein-digesting enzymes derived from the stem and core of the pineapple plant. In addition to a long tradition of use as a treatment for inflammatory disorders of the musculoskeletal system, bromelain is the main ingredient in meat tenderizer. Turmeric is sometimes taken in conjunction with bromelain, as the combination is reputed to increase bromelain's effectiveness. If you take anticoagulant medication, speak to your health-care provider before taking a bromelain supplement. It may increase the risk of bleeding.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen, a structural component of blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, and bone. A strong antioxidant, vitamin C aids in wound healing, increases immune function and decreases inflammation. Most animals synthesize their own vitamin C, but humans need to consume it through food sources or as a supplement. The human body can store only a limited amount of vitamin C. It's another supplement recommended for tendinitis by the University of Maryland Medical Center. At extremely high doses, it can cause stomach upset or diarrhea.
MSM
Methylsulfonyl-methane, better known as MSM, is one of two forms of sulfur commonly used as a supplement. It's naturally present in meats, certain fruits and vegetables, dairy products and some grains. Cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower are rich in MSM. MSM helps to produce connective tissue and repair cartilage, ligaments and tendons, according to an article in Total Health. Results from two clinical trials showed MSM to be a promising treatment for osteoarthritis. However, results from other studies have been more inconclusive, so don't substitute MSM for your current treatment regimen. It can take four to six weeks to see effects from use of MSM.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Tendinitis
- Total Health; MSM; D. Clouatre; Mar./Apr. 2010
- Sports Medicine: Overuse Tendon Injuries
