Does Calcium Help Ligaments?

Ligaments are flat bands of connective tissue that help reinforce your joints and prevent aberrant joint movement during rest or activity. A type of soft tissue, ligaments are among the most commonly injured structures in your body and may take a long time to fully heal, due to their relatively poor blood supply. Calcium is a nutrient that may be beneficial in restoring the health and integrity of your ligaments, but you should always check with your doctor before using this nutrient for this purpose.

Ligament Sprains

Ligament sprains -- a tearing of some or all of the fibers that compose this connective tissue -- occur when an outside force pushes two of your bones apart and can lead to significant temporary disability or immobility. According to Aurora Health Care, one of the most significant risk factors for developing a ligament sprain is participation in high-speed contact sports, such as skiing, gymnastics and football. Commonly experienced signs and symptoms of ligament sprains include immediate pain, swelling in the affected area and bruising.

Calcium

Calcium is an important mineral that your body needs to stay strong and healthy. Calcium is not synthesized in your body, so it must be obtained from external sources. Your body may lose calcium through several avenues, including your skin, nails, urine, sweat, feces and hair, notes the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. A lack of calcium in your diet may cause your body to leach this mineral from your bone, causing long-term bone weakness.

Calcium Effectiveness

Calcium may be a helpful nutrient in improving the health and strength of your injured ligaments. According to Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," a dosage of between 1,500 and 2,000 milligrams of calcium each day is necessary for connective tissue repair, including the repair of damaged ligaments. Further scientific scrutiny may be necessary to evaluate the true efficacy of calcium in helping your ligaments.

Additional information

Ligament injuries often take a long time to heal. Visit a qualified healthcare professional as soon as possible to have your ligament injury assessed and treated properly. Certain nutrients, including calcium, may be helpful in speeding healing and preventing future ligament injuries, although you should always understand the risks, advantages and limitations of these substances before using them for this health purpose. Speak with your physician about proper dosage before ingesting calcium supplements.