Your ankle joint is a network of bones, tendons, ligaments and muscles that are strong enough to hold the weight of your entire body, according to MayoClinic.com. However, with this extreme strength also comes the possibility of injury. Ankle injuries include sprains, strains, ligament tears and fractures. You may also suffer from ankle pain as the result of repeat injury, arthritis or biomechanical abnormalities. While a majority of ankle pain can be treated by a physician, vitamins can help strengthen your muscles and bones. Ask your doctor if taking vitamins for your ankle pain would be beneficial for you.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps your body to better absorb and properly use calcium. Calcium is essential for the building of strong, healthy bones. When your body does not receive enough calcium, it begins to use calcium from your bones. This leaves you suspectible to bone fractures -- including fractures of the ankle. Vitamin D can be absorbed by spending time in the sun, through a vitamin D supplement or through the foods you consume on a daily basis. Foods with vitamin D include fortified milk and cereal, liver, fish and egg yolk.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C can be taken to help prevent and treat injuries to your ankle muscles and tissues. Vitamin C serves as an anti-inflammatory agent as well as an antioxidant. As a result, vitamin C helps to make collagen, which is a protein responsible for building and repairing the tissues and cartilage of your body. Vitamin C can also help to heal cuts or wounds. You can find vitamin C in citrus fruits, tomatoes, strawberries, red peppers, cabbage and kiwi.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help to reduce the deterioration of cartilage as well as joint inflammation. This vitamin can help keep your ankles functioning properly and without pain. The anti-inflammatory properties of vitamin E can help reduce pain associated with arthritis. Vitamin E works to protect your body tissues and cells from damage. You can find vitamin E in whole grains, green vegetables, nuts, seeds and vegetable oils.
Vitamin-B Complex
The vitamin-B complex comprises eight different B vitamins, all of which are essential to your health. The two most important B vitamins -- when it comes to joint health and pain -- are vitamin B-3 and vitamin B-5, according to "The Vitamin Book." Vitamin B-3 -- also known as niacin -- can help relieve pain and reduce joint inflammation. Vitamin B-5 is an important supplement for those with chronic joint pain -- including ankle pain. A deficiency of vitamin B-5 can lead to joint deterioration and increased pain in those suffering with arthritis. Vitamin B can be found in whole grains, fish, meat, poultry, eggs, beans, green vegetables and dairy products.
References
- KidsHealth; Vitamins; Mary L. Gavin, M.D.; January 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Ankle Pain; August 2010
- "National Academy of Sports Medicine: Essentials of Personal Fitness Training"; Scott Lucett; 2008
- "The Vitamin Book"; Harold M. Silverman, et al.; December 2009
