Ligament sprains and muscle strains are among the most common types of musculoskeletal health problems. Sprains involve a stretching or tearing of your ligaments while strains involve a tearing of your muscle or tendon fibers. Both injuries are common in athletes. Natural antioxidant supplements may be helpful in healing your sprains or strains, but you should always clear the use of natural antioxidants with your doctor first.
About Sprains and Strains
Some of the most common causes of ligament sprains, reports MayoClinic.com, include walking on an uneven surface, rapid pivoting during an athletic event, falling onto an outstretched hand and participating in certain sports, such as skiing or tennis. Common causes of muscle or tendon strains include excessive running, throwing or jumping activities, using poor form to lift heavy objects and participating in sports such as gymnastics or rowing. Pain and swelling are among the most common signs and symptoms associated with both sprains and strains.
Natural Antioxidants
Several natural antioxidants -- substances that help prevent free radical damage in your body -- may be helpful in treating your sprains and strains, although further testing using contemporary scientific research methods may be needed to evaluate these antioxidants' true health effects. Vitamin C, vitamin E, ginger and carotenoids, states certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," are antioxidants that may be particularly helpful in treating your sprains and strains.
Highlighted Antioxidant
Ginger is a potent natural antioxidant that may be helpful in treating your sprains and strains. According to herbal medicine expert and naturopathic physician Sharol Tilgner, author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," ginger possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic action -- three actions that may be important in treating your musculoskeletal injuries, including sprains and strains. The root of the ginger plant contains nutrients and phytochemicals that are used in natural supplements.
Warning
Sprains and strains, though painful and sometimes temporarily debilitating, usually respond to conservative treatment methods, such as dietary supplementation. Antioxidant supplements should only be used if you are under the supervision of a licensed health care professional. Some supplements traditionally used in treating your sprains and strains may cause unwanted health effects in your body and should be avoided or discontinued immediately. A physician specializing in clinical nutrition may offer you the most helpful information about the potential risks, side effects and drug interactions of various antioxidant supplements.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Sprains and Strains: What's the Difference?
- MayoClinic.com: Sprains and Strains
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
