Knee pain is a condition that can strike individuals of all age levels and individuals of a variety of different physical activity levels. Knee pain can make it difficult to enjoy your favorite activities as well as participate in daily activities. While persistent knee pain should be diagnosed by a doctor, vitamin D may be able to help prevent reoccurring knee pain.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that can be found in the fatty tissues of your body. It plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy blood pressure and in maintaining healthy bones. Vitamin D helps your body to properly absorb and use calcium. Without it, your body may take calcium from your bones to function properly, which can lead to an increased risk of bone pain and injury. The National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements indicates that a majority of individuals require 5 to 16 mcg of vitamin D per day. Vitamin D can be obtained through sun exposure as well as the consumption of fish, liver oil and fortified products -- such as cereal and milk.
Causes of Knee Pain
There are a number of reasons why you may experience knee pain. It may be the result wear and tear, due to age or traumatic injury. This can lead to arthritis. Knee pain may also be caused by medical conditions such as gout, cysts, tumors or infections. Tendinitis and bursitis are two common overuse injuries that cause knee pain. Traumatic injuries to the knee -- such as ligament tears, strains, sprains, dislocation, fractures and cartilage tears -- can also result in knee pain.
Vitamin D and Knee Pain
Vitamin D plays a vital role in musculoskeletal and neuromuscular functions of your body. Inadequate levels of vitamin D can cause joint pain and make walking difficult -- especially for patients with osteoarthritis. Low levels of vitamin D can also lead to cartilage loss -- cartilage helps to protect your bones from rubbing on each other. An article published in the 2005 journal "Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America," vitamin D plays an important role in the transportation of calcium as well as in the formation of osteoblasts. Osteoblasts are the cells responsible for the formation of your bones.
Considerations
While vitamin D supplements are sold as an over-the-counter supplement, talk to your doctor prior to taking a vitamin D supplement for knee pain. Discuss all current medications you are on as well as any pre-existing medical conditions. Vitamin D is safe when obtained through food sources. Excess sun exposure to obtain vitamin D can lead to an increased risk of skin cancer. Taking too much of a vitamin D supplement can drastically increase calcium levels in your body -- this can lead to calcification in your organs and blood vessels as well as lead to muscular damage and cause kidney stones.
Member Comments