Shoulder tendinitis is a common overuse injury often seen in athletes who perform constant movements of the shoulder -- such as swimmers and baseball pitchers. Tendinitis is a painful condition that can interfere with your ability to perform the activities you enjoy most. While not a treatment method for tendinitis, magnesium -- a mineral found in many foods -- can help to protect your shoulder tendons from damage.
Shoulder Tendinitis
The National Institutes of Health report that tendinitis is the inflammation, swelling or irritation of a tendon -- the fibrous structure that connect muscle to bone. Tendinitis can commonly affect the shoulder and is often the result of aging, overuse or a direct injury to the shoulder joint. Those with arthritis and diabetes are also more likely to develop tendinitis. Symptoms of tendinitis include pain along the shoulder joint and pain that normally increases with physical activity and at night. A physician will take a medical history and perform a physical exam to diagnose tendinitis. Imaging studies are sometimes used to rule out other conditions. Treatment for shoulder tendinitis includes rest, ice, heat, anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy. Surgery is rarely needed.
Magnesium
The Office of Dietary Supplements indicates that magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral found in the body, and a vast majority of this magnesium can be located in your tissues, organs and bones. Magnesium plays an important role in the functioning of your muscles and your central nervous system. Magnesium also helps your body to maintain strong and healthy bones. This mineral is also important in strengthening your immune system. A strong and healthy immune system can help prevent free radicals from damaging and causing pain to otherwise healthy tendons in your body.
Dosage
To help protect your tendons from damage, follow the recommended daily allowance -- or RDA -- for magnesium. Always consult your doctor prior to beginning a magnesium supplement. Your RDA largely depends on your age and sex. The Office of Dietary Supplements indicates that adult males over the age of 31 should consume 420 mg/day and females should consume 320 mg/day. Adult males between the ages of 19 and 30 should consume 400 mg/day. Females need 310 mg/day. Teenage males -- between the ages of 14 and 18 -- should consume 410 mg/day and teenage females should consume 360 mg/day. Children between the ages of 9 and 13 should consume 240 mg/day. Youth -- ages 4 to 8 -- need 130 mg/day. Those between the ages of 1 and 3 need 80 mg/day of magnesium.
Sources of Magnesium
You can take magnesium supplements or get it from a variety of food sources. Foods rich in magnesium include nuts, grains, seeds, whole grains and green vegetables. It's also found in tap water. The best way to receive adequate amounts of magnesium is to consume a healthy and well-balanced diet. Dietary magnesium poses no risk to your health. On the other hand, magnesium supplements can lead to irregular heart beat, difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, low blood pressure, changes in your mental health and loss of appetite.
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