Tendinitis is inflammation of the soft tissue around muscles and bones, most commonly around the elbows, wrists and heels. People with tendinitis usually report swelling, tenderness, redness and sharp pain in the affected area. Dimethyl sulfoxide or DMSO, a chemical by-product of wood pulp, may help to treat symptoms of tendinitis. Be sure to speak with your doctor before you start taking a DMSO supplement for tendinitis.
Clinical Evidence
The effectiveness of DMSO for tendinitis was studied by researchers in the mid-1960s and early 1970s. The University of Michigan Health System reports that two preliminary and two double-blind trials found DMSO to be effective in treating symptoms associated with tendinitis. However, another double-blind study, published in 1981 in "Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise," showed that tendinitis patients treated with 70 percent aqueous solution did not receive any more benefit than patients who received 5 percent DMSO aqueous placebo solution.
Treatment
As an anti-inflammatory, DMSO may be applied topically to reduce the swelling and pain in tendinitis. A double-blind study published by a German research group in 1994 found that topical application of 10 percent DMSO gel three times a day on the elbow and shoulder of patients with tendinitis significantly reduced pain and inflammation in the joints. The study involved 77 volunteers and a treatment phase of 14 days. According to the researchers, pain of movement and mobility of joints were significantly improved after three and seven days of treatment, respectively.
Side Effects
At the time of publication, U.S Food Drug and Administration approval for DMSO was limited to interstitial cystitis, an obscure bladder condition. Industrial-grade DMSO products may contain contaminants and may cause side effects such as headache, nausea and vomiting, according to The Doctor's Medical Library. After intake of DMSO, the body emits a strong odor of garlic for three days following the last application to the skin.
Warning
The University of Michigan Health System warns users to properly dilute the DMSO solution before application at the skin site. An undiluted solution may severely burn the skin. Wash your hands thoroughly before applying the gel; since DMSO is a solvent, it may allow absorption though the skin of dangerous impurities on the hand. Consult with your doctor about appropriate use of DMSO.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Tendinitis
- "Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise"; The Use of DMSO in Tennis Elbow and Rotator Cuff Tendonitis: A Double-Blind Study; E. Percy, J. Carson; 1981
- "Fortschritte der Medizin"; DMSO Gel in Treatment of Acute Tendopathies. A Multicenter, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Study; W. Kneer et al.; April 1994
- The Doctor's Medical Library; DMSO; Ron Kennedy
- University of Michigan Health System: DMSO
