Your knee joints are the largest and one of the most complex joints in your body. SportsInjuryClinic.net states that your knee joints are comprised of four bones and numerous muscles and ligaments. Your knee joints are also surrounded by a thick, ligamentous structure known as the joint capsule. Problems with any of these structures may cause knee pain or dysfunction. Always ask your doctor if dietary supplements are appropriate for you and your condition before using these natural substances to treat your knee problems.
Knee Joint Problems
There are many possible types of knee joint problems. Structures within or around your knee joint may cause knee pain or dysfunction. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, knee problems are usually the result of disease or injury. The Institute states that common knee joint conditions include the following: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, chondromalacia, meniscal injuries, cruciate ligament tears, tendon injuries and iliotibial band syndrome.
Joint Supplements
Nutritional supplements have long been used in treating your knee joint problems. Supplements that may help improve your joint pain or dysfunction include juniper, devil's claw, yucca and burdock, notes naturopathic physician Sharol Tilgner, author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth." Other beneficial knee joint supplements may include chondroitin and glucosamine sulfate, MSM, N-A-G and SAMe. Further scientific testing may be necessary to determine the effectiveness of many of these supplements.
Useful Supplement
Chondroitin sulfate may be one of the most useful supplements for your knee joints. According to Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," chondroitin sulfate may be particularly helpful in treating osteoarthritis, one of the most common diseases affected your knee joints. Chondroitin sulfate is commonly used to protect or repair your knee joint cartilage, and it may also help treat your knee pain. If you are pregnant, avoid taking chondroitin sulfate.
Additional Information
Knee joint problems can cause significant disability if your knee pain or dysfunction is severe. If you develop knee joint problems, meet with your musculoskeletal health specialist to discuss all possible treatment strategies for this health problem, including complementary alternative and more conventional therapies. Avoid self-treating with dietary supplements, and always follow the advice provided by your healthcare practitioner about how best to use supplements to treat your knee problem.
References
- SportsInjuryClinic.net: Knee Anatomy
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Knee Problems
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
