Ruptured tendons are a musculoskeletal health problem that can significantly impair your ability to perform activities of daily living. Tendon tears occur when your muscles or tendons -- the tissues that link your bones and muscles -- are stretched beyond their normal lengthening abilities, according to Princeton University Health Sciences. A tendon rupture is a severe form of tendon strain. Visit your primary care provider for a better sense of how dietary supplements can help prevent tendon ruptures.
About Ruptured Tendons
A ruptured tendon injury involves tearing of a significant amount of tendon tissue. Ruptured tendons can be caused by several factors, according to chiropractic physician Michael Carnes, author of "Quick Reference Conservative Care Conditions Manual." These include structural or biomechanical imbalances, contact sports, previous injuries, overtraining, inadequate warmup and muscle overload caused by fatigue. Although tendon ruptures can affect all age groups, tendon injuries are more common among older individuals. Steroid use is another factor that can increase your chances of a ruptured tendon. Dietary supplements should be treated with the same caution applied to prescription drugs and should only be used under the supervision of a licensed health care professional.
Beneficial Supplements
Certain supplements may be beneficial in preventing tendon tears or ruptures. According to certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," some of the most helpful supplements for this purpose include chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine sulfate, MSM, free-form amino acids, manganese, potassium, silica, vitamin C with bioflavonoids, zinc, colostrum and ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate, or OKG. These supplements help provide nutritional support for strengthening your tendons, are important for the formation of your tendons and help prevent tendon tissue breakdown. These supplements may also stimulate growth and regeneration of your tendons, muscles and other structures. Supplements to help prevent tendon ruptures are available at most health food stores and other stores selling nutritional supplements. A larger body of scientific evidence may be required to verify the purported health benefits of supplements in preventing tendon ruptures.
Featured Supplement
Chondroitin sulfate may be one of the most effective dietary supplements in preventing ruptured tendons. Balch notes that chondroitin sulfate provides nutritional support to help strengthen your joints, ligaments and tendons. Chondroitin sulfate, notes medical doctor Alan R. Gaby, author of "The Natural Pharmacy," has also historically been used in treating osteoarthritis, wounds, atherosclerosis, heart attack, elevated cholesterol levels, kidney stones and ligament sprains. Chondroitin sulfate is a principle constituent of joint cartilage.
Another Helpful Supplement
Colostrum, a substance that contains significant levels of protein and growth factors, may be another helpful dietary supplement in preventing tendon ruptures and improving the integrity of your body's tissues. According to Balch, colostrum encourages the repair and rejuvenation of numerous tissues, including tendons, muscles, skin, bone and cartilage. This nutritional supplement also encourages your body to break down adipose, or fat, tissue instead of lean muscle tissue. Balch recommends a dosage of between 2,000 and 3,000 mg of colostrum daily to achieve these health benefits. Always meet with your doctor to review proper dosage before using this supplement to prevent against ruptured tendons and other soft-tissue injuries.
References
- Princeton University Health Sciences: Athletic Injuries
- "Quick Reference Conservative Care Conditions Manual"; Michael Carnes, D.C.; 2007
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "The Natural Pharmacy"; Alan R. Gaby, M.D.; 2006
