Tendinitis is a painful, overuse injury that is often associated with repetitive actions during sports and exercise as well as heavy lifting or strenuous labor. Tendinitis can interfere in your participation of daily activities, including those you enjoy the most. While tendinitis should be confirmed by a physician, adequate amounts of the mineral known as magnesium may help to promote proper function of your tendons.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis is an inflammation or irritation of any of the tendons in your body. Your tendons are the connective tissues that serve to attach your muscles to your bones. The University of Maryland Medical Center indicates tendinitis is an overuse injury that is often the result of repetitive stress placed on your tendons. Tendinitis commonly occurs in the knees, elbows, wrist, thumb, heels, hips and shoulders. Symptoms of tendinitis include pain, swelling, tenderness, warmth, redness and cracking at the affected site. The pain of tendinitis is often worse with physical activity. A physical exam, x-rays and other diagnostic tests may be used to diagnose tendinitis. Treatment can include anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections, ice, rest and physical therapy.
Magnesium
According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral found in the human body. Nearly half of all magnesium found in the body can be located within your organs and tissues. Magnesium plays an important role in the functions of your muscles and nervous system as well as helping to contribute to the strength of your bones and support the health of your immune system. A strong immune system can help prevent free radicals from attacking your healthy tendons.
Magnesium Dosage
The recommended dietary allowances, or RDA, depend largely on your age and sex. Children, ages 1 to 3 years old, should consume 80 mg per day. For children between the ages of 4 and 8, 130 mg is recommended daily. Children between the ages of 9 to 13 need 240 mg of magnesium daily. Boys, ages 14 to 18, need 410 mg. Girls, ages 14 to 18, should consume 310 mg. Adult males, ages 19 to 30, need 400 mg. Adult females, ages 19 to 30, should consume 310 mg. Adult males over the age of 31 should consume 420 mg daily. Adult females over the age of 31need 320 mg of magnesium on a daily basis.
Magnesium Sources
Magnesium can be found in a wide variety of foods. Green vegetables, including spinach, are sources of magnesium. The chlorophyll that gives vegetables their green color contains magnesium. Nuts, grains, seed, whole grains and tap water also are sources of magnesium. Eating a wide variety of foods that contain magnesium is the best way to receive adequate amounts of magnesium on a daily basis. Dietary magnesium poses no health risks. Magnesium also can be supplemented. Talk to your doctor prior to supplementing magnesium. Supplemented magnesium overdoses can lead to changes in your mental status, loss of appetite, muscle weakness, low blood pressure, irregular heart beats and trouble breathing.
