Muscle strains -- the overstretching or tearing of your muscle fibers -- is a common injury among sports participants, states the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Muscle strains are graded on a scale from 1 to 3, based on the severity of your injury and the symptoms it causes. Muscle strains are often treated using conservative care methods, including nutritional therapies, such as supplements. Visit your doctor before using nutritional supplements to treat your muscle strain.
Muscle Strain Info
If your muscle strain is accompanied by significant swelling, or if you are unable to move your appendages or joints, get immediate medical help, states the University of Maryland Medical Center. Some muscle strains may be accompanied by a popping or snapping sound or sensation that occurs as your muscle tears. In most cases, the affected area will be tender to the touch and may have observable bruising if your capillaries, or surface blood vessels, are broken.
Helpful Nutritional Supplements
There are numerous nutritional supplements that have been used in treating muscle strains, but not all nutritional supplements for this health purpose may be backed by rigorous scientific testing. Cayenne, rue, wintergreen, arnica and St. John's wort may be among the most helpful, notes naturopathic physician Sharol Tilgner, author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth." Bromelain, boswellia, curcumin and essential fatty acids may also be helpful.
Supplement in Focus
Curcumin, an orange-yellow volatile oil and one of the principal active ingredients in turmeric, may be one of the most beneficial nutritional supplements in treating your muscle strain. According to naturopathic physician Michael T. Murray, author of "The Healing Power of Herbs," curcumin has several key uses, including inflammation reduction. Inflammation usually accompanies muscle strains of all severities and can cause significant pain or discomfort. Curcumin is also considered an antioxidant, notes Murray.
Disclaimer
If you suffer a muscle strain, or tear, report to your primary care provider or musculoskeletal health specialist at your earliest possible convenience to be properly diagnosed and treated. Nutritional supplements should only be used as an adjunct therapy in treating your muscle strain. Avoid using nutritional supplements in lieu of other treatment recommendations made by your health care practitioners. Before using nutritional supplements, understand the health risks and possible side effects associated with these powerful natural substances.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Muscle Strains in the Thigh
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Muscle Strain Treatment - Overview
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "The Healing Power of Herbs"; Michael T. Murray, N.D.; 1995
