Many dietary supplements may help treat your knee pain. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, your knee is a complex joint with many components, which makes it vulnerable to a variety of injuries. The AAOS states that many causes of knee injuries can be successfully treated using conservative care methods. Before taking dietary supplements to treat your knee pain, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
Boswellia
Boswellia is a dietary supplement sometimes used in the treatment of knee pain. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, boswellia, also known as Boswellia serrata or Indian frankincense, is an Ayurvedic herb derived from the gum resin of the boswellia tree. Boswellia has been used to treat health conditions such ulcerative colitis, coughs, sores, asthma and several types of arthritis, including knee osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease. The Arthritis Today website states that boswellia has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help treat rheumatoid arthritis -- an inflammatory condition that may affect your knees -- and bursitis, an inflammation of a bursa, or fluid-filled sac. There are numerous bursae around your knee that help reduce friction between your bones and your tendons and ligaments. Before taking boswellia as a dietary supplement, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
Cat's Claw
Cat's claw may be a helpful dietary supplement for treating your knee pain. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, states that cat's claw, also known as Uncaria tomentosa, has been used to treat many health conditions including viral infections, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The inner bark and root of cat's claw is used to produce liquid extracts, capsules and teas. According to the NCCAM, preparations of cat's claw can also be applied to your skin. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that cat's claw is a woody vine native to the Amazon rain forest and other tropical areas of South and Central America. The anti-inflammatory properties of cat's claw are believed to be helpful in treating painful knee conditions. Before taking cat's claw for your knee pain, consult your doctor.
Cayenne
Cayenne is an herb and dietary supplement that may be helpful for reducing your knee pain. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, cayenne, also known as Capsicum frutescens, is derived from the fruit of the capsicum pepper. Cayenne has been used to treat circulatory disorders, diabetic neuropathy or nerve damage, headaches, elevated cholesterol, muscle spasms, muscle pain, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicines From the Heart of the Earth," states that cayenne stimulates the release of substance P from your sensory neurons. Substance P is the pain messenger to your nervous system. Once substance P is depleted, your pain, including your knee pain, will be diminished. Before taking cayenne as a supplement for your knee pain, talk with your doctor.
