Your biceps tendon is a thick band of connective tissue that links your biceps muscle to bones in your shoulder and elbow. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons states that biceps tendon tears -- a partial or total rupture of the fibers that compose your biceps tendon -- may cause decreased arm strength and reduced arm range of motion. Certain supplements may be useful in treating your biceps tendon tear, although you should always discuss the merits and drawbacks of supplements with your doctor first.
Biceps Tendon Tear
Most biceps tendon tears, notes the Cleveland Clinic, are associated with tendon overuse, which causes fraying and eventual tearing of your biceps tendon in the affected area. Traumatic injuries -- such as falling onto an outstretched arm -- may also cause a tear in your biceps tendon. Biceps tendon injuries may occur in either your shoulder or your elbow, depending on the type of injury you sustain. Some of the most commonly experienced signs and symptoms associated with this musculoskeletal health problem include extreme pain at your injury site, a popping sound at the time of injury and difficulty performing certain arm movements.
Useful Supplements
Numerous dietary supplements may be helpful in treating the pain, inflammation and swelling associated with your torn biceps tendon. Chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine sulfate and MSM are three of the most important dietary supplements in healing injured tendons, notes certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Other supplements that may be beneficial for this health purpose include ginger, green tea, manganese, potassium, silica and turmeric.
Highlighted Supplement
Ginger is a dietary supplement that may be helpful in reducing the inflammation, swelling and pain associated with your biceps tendon tear. In her book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," naturopathic doctor Sharol Tilgner states that ginger possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and analgesic properties. Ginger has historically been used in treating numerous health problems, including musculoskeletal pain, circulatory disorders and gastrointestinal problems. Both the rhizomes and roots of the ginger plant contain medicinal ingredients that are used in dietary supplements.
Considerations
Biceps tendon problems, including partial or total tears, can significantly affect your ability to perform your usual work or recreational activities. If your biceps tendon problem is not dealt with in a timely and appropriate manner, you may develop scar tissue in your affected area that can cause pain or impair your elbow or shoulder range of motion. Before using dietary supplements to help treat your biceps tendon injury, meet with a health care provider who specializes in clinical nutrition to better understand the role -- and limitations -- of supplements in your treatment plan.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Biceps Tendon Tear at the Shoulder
- 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
