Nutrients to Help Overcome Tendinitis

Tendinitis occurs when a tendon (a thick cord of tissue that attaches muscle to bone) is inflamed, stretched or irritated. This ailment commonly takes place during rigorous sports or exercise. Although serious tendinitis can sometimes require surgery and should be examined by a health professional, more mild forms of the injury can be treated by keeping the body stocked with certain vitamins and other nutrients.

Proteolytic Enzymes

• Proteolytic enzymes, also called digestive enzymes, are most commonly used to aid in digestion. However, two of these enzymes have been shown to be effective for anti-inflammatory purposes and in healing minor injuries.

  Bromelain, found especially in the stems of pineapples, is a digestive enzyme that is more easily absorbed by the body than many other enzymes. This powerful enzyme has been found useful in treating sprains, strains, muscle injuries, and even in relieving pain, swelling and tenderness associated with sports injuries, such as tendinitis.

  Papain is another useful digestive enzyme that is found in papayas, particularly unripe ones. It is used to treat inflammation and to heal wounds.

  Both enzymes can be found in supplement form at most health food stores or websites, such as HerbsMD.com.

Vitamins

• Many vitamins can also aid in the treatment of tendinitis. Although these vitamins are available in supplement form, it is generally considered more effective to eat foods naturally rich in the desired vitamin.

  Vitamin C is a versatile vitamin that can be helpful in treating many ailments. Most commonly, Vitamin C is known as an immune system booster, but in conjunction with nutrients called bioflavonoids, it can help repair injured tissue and muscles. Vitamin C and bioflavonoids are found in abundance in citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits and lemons.

  Vitamin E is another vitamin that helps to repair damaged connective tissue. It is commonly found in wheat germ oil, almonds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts and peanut butter, as well as spinach and broccoli.