Your knee joints are a common location for pain. Knee pain, states MedlinePlus, is most commonly caused by overuse injuries, inefficient technique during sports activities, inappropriate or insufficient stretching activities or failing to properly warm up or cool down. Obesity may also contribute to knee dysfunction and knee pain. Natural supplements have long been used in treating knee pain. However, you should always discuss supplement-related issues with your physician prior to using dietary supplements.
Knee Pain
Knee pain is a common health complaint. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, knee pain accounts for about 33 percent of all musculoskeletal health problems seen and treated by primary care providers. The Academy notes that knee pain is especially common among physically active individuals, causing problems in more than 50 percent of athletes each year. The severity of your knee pain largely depends in the type of knee problem you have. Knee problems can be debilitating and can impair your ability to work or perform recreational activities.
Natural Supplements
Natural supplements are commonly prescribed for knee pain by both complementary alternative and conventional health-care providers. Examples of natural supplements for knee pain include Jamaican dogwood, butterbur, St. John's wort, meadowsweet and willow bark, states herbalist Ed Smith, author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual." These supplements may help to treat joint pain, neuralgia, myalgia, headache and toothache. Some of these supplements may require further testing using current scientific testing techniques to support their use for knee pain.
A Powerful Supplement
Meadowsweet may be one of the most powerful dietary supplements in the treatment of knee pain. Meadowsweet, states Dr. William Mitchell, a naturopath and author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," helps relieve both pain and inflammation in affected areas throughout your body, including your knees. Meadowsweet is considered an anti-rheumatic, astringent or tissue tightener and febrifuge, or a substance that reduces fever. Meadowsweet encourages the elimination of excess fluid from your body.
Disclaimer
Knee pain can have a significant effect on your quality of life and should always be treated by a qualified health-care practitioner. A health-care provider specializing in clinical nutrition may provide you with the most helpful advice about dietary supplements and their role in your knee pain treatment plan. Before using natural supplements, you should always be aware of the short-term and long-term health risks and benefits associated with these natural substances. Dietary supplements should not replace other therapies recommended by your doctor.
References
- MedlinePlus: Knee Pain
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Evaluation of Patients Presenting With Knee Pain
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
