Tendon problems generally develop over time from wear and tear, either from overuse or normal aging. Tendons are connective tissue that connect muscle to bone. The wearing down of tendons also makes them weak and vulnerable to injury from a sudden trauma. Rest, ice, gentle exercises and medication to relieve pain and reduce inflammation are common treatments for tendon problems. As an alternative, vitamins C and E can help repair tendon damage. Speak with your doctor before taking supplements.
Vitamin C
You body needs vitamin C for repairing and making tissue in all areas of your body. It is also necessary to synthesize the protein collagen, which your body needs to make connective tissue. This connective tissue includes tendons, ligaments, blood vessels and bones. Vitamin C helps heal wounds. Sweet red peppers and orange juice are particularly high in vitamin C. Oranges, strawberries, grapefruit juice and broccoli are good sources of vitamin C too. Vitamin C supplements are also available over the counter.
Vitamin C Study
High amounts of vitamin C supplements may speed healing of tendon injuries. A study published in the "Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery" in February 1999 showed considerable difference in healing of the Achilles tendon in rats. The Achilles tendon connects the heel and the calf muscle. The rats taking the vitamin C supplements saw greater synthesis of collagen production and a larger mean diameter of collagen fiber in the Achilles.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is best known as an antioxidant. Antioxidants are substances believed to neutralize free radicals, which can damage your cells. Vitamin E helps keep your immune system healthy. It may also be beneficial for tendon problems through reducing inflammation. Sources of dietary vitamin E include nuts, seats, leafy green vegetables and vegetable oils. Some foods like breakfast cereals are fortified with vitamin E.
Vitamin E Study
Vitamin E may reduce inflammation and aid healing in tendon injuries, according to a study published in the "Acta Orthopaedica et Traumatologica Turcica" journal in 1999. Inflammation is common in tendon injuries, such as tendinitis. The study used rats with blunt trauma injury to their Achilles tendons. Researchers injected vitamin E supplements in one group of rats. Vitamin A and hyaluronic acid were given to other groups. Vitamins A and E did not prevent the formation of adhesions, but vitamin E did decrease an inflammatory response. The Achilles tendons in the vitamin E group reached a normal tendon structure more quickly than the other groups.
References
- Sutter Health: Tendon Injury (Tendinopathy)
- Medline Plus: Vitamin C
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Tendinitis
- Medline Plus: Vitamin E
- Acta Orthopaedica et Traumatologica Turcica; The Effects of Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin A and E on Tendon Healing and Adhesion Formation; Nail Derelioglu, et al.; 1999
- Archives of Orthpaedic and Trauma Surgery; High-dose Vitamin C Supplementation Accelerates the Achilles Tendon Healing in Healthy Rats; Omeroglu S, et al.; February 2009
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