Tendons are thick bands of fibrous tissue that join your muscles to your bones. Tendon problems are a common health complaint, especially among active individuals and people performing repetitive occupational tasks. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, most tendon injuries are caused by acute trauma or repetitive loading. Nutritional therapies have long been used in treating tendon problems, but you should always clear the use of nutritional therapies with your doctor beforehand.
Tendon Problems
One of the most common tendon-related problems, notes the Cleveland Clinic, is tendinitis -- a condition caused by tendon overuse that results in pain and inflammation. Certain athletes -- especially golfers, tennis players and baseball players -- are especially susceptible to tendon inflammation in the shoulder and elbow. Some of the most common symptoms associated with tendon problems include swelling in the affected area, altered range of motion, tenderness and redness.
Dietary Approach
There are several dietary approaches that may be beneficial in treating your tendon problems. If you suffer a tendon strain, or a tear of your tendon tissue, consumption of raw fresh vegetables -- such as beets, garlic and radishes -- may aid healing. These foods contain high levels of important vitamins and enzymes, states Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Avoiding processed foods and any type of sugar may be helpful in treating your tendinitis, notes Balch.
Healing Nutritional Supplements
Nutritional supplements have long been used to help heal tendon problems. However, further scientific research evidence may be required to validate these supplements' efficacy and mechanisms of action. According to naturopathic physician Sharol Tilgner, author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," calendula, rue and arnica may be among the most helpful nutritional supplements for this health purpose. Other effective nutritional supplements may include coenzyme Q10, MSM, bromelain and free form amino acid.
Disclaimer
Tendons are among the toughest tissues in your body, but their location near joints leaves them susceptible to trauma or overuse. If you develop tendon problems -- pain or inflammation, in most cases -- meet with a musculoskeletal health specialist to review your treatment options and discuss natural healing methods. The use of dietary changes and nutritional supplementation, though often helpful, does not guarantee a favorable health outcome in the treatment of your tendon problems.
References
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Common Overuse Tendon Problems
- Cleveland Clinic: Biceps Tendon Injuries
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
