Fish oil has received substantial attention in the past decade for its ability to ease the symptoms of certain medical and psychiatric conditions. Some research has shown that certain components of fish oil may provide benefits for patients suffering from elbow pain caused by inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and tendinitis. Consult your doctor before using any alternative remedies.
About Fish Oil
Fish oil is used as a dietary supplement to prevent or alleviate certain health conditions, such as depression, heart disease, high blood pressure, joint pain and rheumatoid arthritis. The main benefits of fish oil supplements come from their high content of omega-3 fatty acids, also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids or PUFAs. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for maintaining proper health, but you have to obtain them from dietary sources or supplements because your body cannot manufacture them. Low levels of omega-3 fatty acids can result in a number of troublesome symptoms, such as mood swings and fatigue, and increase the likelihood of developing inflammatory conditions such as joint pain.
Elbow Pain - Causes and Treatments
Elbow pain can significantly impact your ability to function in everyday life and affect your overall feelings of well-being. Some of the common causes of elbow pain include arthritis, strains and tendinitis, also known as tennis elbow, which is caused by inflammation and injury to your elbow joint, according to Medline Plus. Your doctor may suggest rest, ice and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication or pain killers; however, some research has shown that fish oil can also provide substantial benefits. In an interview with the "New York Times" published on May 30, 2011, Dr. Sheldon S. Hendler, co-editor of "The PDR for Nutritional Supplements," states that fish oil may provide a number of benefits to inflammatory joint conditions and prevent the breakdown of cartilage common to these conditions.
Clinical Evidence
While no studies have evaluated fish oil supplements for their specific benefits on elbow pain, a number of studies have demonstrated the benefits of omega-3 acids and fish oil for joint pain. A study published in the May 2007 issue of the journal "Pain," the official journal of the International Association for the Study of Pain, showed that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation helped to reduce joint pain, stiffness and reliance on anti-inflammatory medication in study participants with joint pain and rheumatoid arthritis. Another study, published in 1990 in the international, peer-reviewed journal of rheumatology, "Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases," showed that fish oil supplementation helped to reduce symptoms of swelling and joint pain in study participants suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.
Considerations
While fish oil supplementation may help to reduce the symptoms of certain types of elbow pain, you should never use dietary supplements to self-treat your condition. Consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis and to discuss treatment options. Fish oil supplements may cause mild yet unpleasant side effects. Additionally, fish oil can interact with certain medications. As with any over-the-counter supplement, inform your doctor if you choose to use fish oil.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Medline Plus: Elbow Pain
- "New York Times"; Can Fish Oil Supplements Help Ease Joint Pain?; C. Claiborne Ray; May 30, 2011
- "Pain"; A Meta-Analysis of the Analgesic Effects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation for Inflammatory Joint Pain; R. Goldberg and J. Katz; May 2007
- "Annals of Rheumatic Diseases"; Effects of Fish Oil Supplementation in Rheumatoid Arthritis; H. van der Tempel, et al.; 1990
