Tendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon, usually due to injury. Tendons are fibers which attach muscle to bone and lie in a sheath for easy and smooth manoeuvering. Eating your way to better health is the way to go.
Tendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon, usually due to injury. Tendons are fibers which attach muscle to bone and lie in a sheath for easy and smooth manoeuvering. Well known as tennis elbow, tendonitis can affect any tendons of any joint. The shoulder and the Achilles tendon at the heel are at high risk for tendon injuries.
An inflamed tendon becomes painful with use and tender to touch. The pain can range from mild to severe, depending on the extend of the injury. Although swelling is minimal, range of motion is often limited, since an inflamed tendon often affects nearby structures, including the sheath guiding the tendon.
Unfortunately, tendons heal slowly. This is especially true for tendonitis that develops as a result of a repetitive injury where it can take months to completely heal. When tendonitis recurs or lasts, it creates susceptibility for calcium deposits to form. This results in bone spurs which are most common in the Achilles tendon.
Overstretching or partially tearing tendon fibers form overuse and unaccustomed motion causes continual pain until the condition becomes serious. Injuries are more likely if the muscle and joints have not been warmed up before strenuous exercise. Other sources of tendonitis are internal inflammatory conditions in the joints such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout or Reiter’s syndrome.
A diet including whole grains, nuts an seeds, vegetables and raw fruits which is rich in nutrients and vitamins. Yellow vegetables and fruits such as carrots and cantaloupe are good sources of vitamin A. Fish, sweet potatoes, bananas, avocados, squash and beans contain Vitamin E are also important.
These nutrients and bioflavonoids repair connective tissue and reduce inflammation. Whole grains (whole wheat bread, barley, oats, couscous, quinoa, millet) and various seed and nut oils, such as evening primrose oil, olive oil, canola oil and almond oil for the anti-inflammatory prostaglandins.
If the inflammation is acute and painful, the enzyme bromelian found in delicious pineapple is a great snack between meals because it is a strong anti-inflammatory, reducing swelling and pain.
Vitamin B12 will help to improve muscular function, so legumes, tofu, dark leafy green vegetables, cruciferous veggies like broccoli and cauliflower, fish and eggs should also be consumed.
Try to lower the amount of red meat and eggs eaten during the time of recovery since these are acidic, and promote inflammation even though are high in iron. Their high calcium content also increases the risk of spur formation, so consume vitamin C with your other veggies instead of the more-easily absorbed calcium from meat and dairy products.
