Knee injuries are one of the most common reasons Americans visit an orthopaedic surgeon, states the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Composed of bone, cartilage, ligaments, muscle and tendons, your knee is one of your body's most complex joints. Knee injuries are particularly common in athletes, especially athletes who participate in contact sports or sports requiring rapid lower body movements. Nutrition -- diet and supplementation -- is an important part of your knee injury treatment plan. Speak with your doctor about the merits and drawbacks of nutritional therapy.
About Knee Injuries
Many knee injuries are caused by overuse of your knee tissues or a traumatic injury. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease, knee ligament and tendon injuries are a common cause of knee pain and discomfort. Injuries to your anterior cruciate ligament -- the ligament that helps hold your femur and tibia in their proper position -- are usually caused by twisting movements of your knee and may be debilitating. Damage to your knee joint cartilage may also cause severe knee pain, inflammation and other symptoms.
Knee Injury Nutrition
Nutritional therapy is an important part of your knee injury treatment plan. Nutritional strategies depend on the type of knee injury you sustain and the symptoms you experience. Certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that juices made from beets, garlic and radishes as well as raw vegetables may provide vitamins and enzymes that help heal your knee sprain or strain. Buckwheat, dark leafy green vegetables and fresh fruits may help reduce your bruising and are necessary for blood clotting and tissue healing.
Beneficial Nutritional Supplements
Nutritional supplements are a common part of a well-rounded nutritional approach in the treatment of knee injuries, although some supplements may require further scientific scrutiny to examine their true health effects. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that cayenne, arnica, rue and calendula may be among the most helpful nutritional supplements in treating your knee injuries. Other beneficial nutritional supplements for this health purpose may include chondroitin and glucosamine sulfate, MSM, bromelain and boswellia.
Warning
Knee injuries can range from mild to severe, and some knee injuries may cause prolonged disability. If you experience a knee injury, meet with your family doctor as soon as possible for a thorough examination. Some knee injuries may require surgical correction. Nutritional therapies may best be used as an adjunct treatment in healing your damaged knee tissues and reducing your pain. Avoid using nutritional supplements, or nutraceuticals, until you have cleared their use with your doctor, as some supplements may provoke unwanted effects in your body.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Common Knee Injuries
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease: Knee Problems
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
