While your workout routine always carries the possibility of a sudden twisted ankle or wrenched back, the lurking risk of injury from repetitive movements often goes overlooked. That’s why “tennis elbow,” also known as “golfer's elbow,” is a common lament for those plagued by aggravated tendons and ligaments.
Fortunately, adding a few nutrients to your daily routine can help lower the risk of getting - or aggravating - these common complaints.
The Risk of Repetition
If you’re feeling pain anywhere between your lower arm, elbow and wrist while swinging a club or a racket tendonitis (aka golfer’s or tennis elbow) is the likely culprit. The condition comes from repeatedly flexing your muscles in order to grip a racket or club -- or from frequent use of a knife,hammer or paintbrush, depending on your job or hobbies.
Photo: by isogood
Over time, the tendons in your forearm may begin to tear, resulting in swelling and pain. Among those most likely to suffer from repetitive movement injuries are women in general, and both genders after the age of 30. Aging plays a role, both because of the accumulation of repetitive movements, as well as the unfortunate fact that connective tissues don’t bounce back as quickly in older people.
How Supplements Can Help
While there’s no “magic bullet” to prevent or combat golfer’s elbow, adding certain nutrients that attack the problem on multiple fronts can help. Focus on those supplements, as well as foods, known for promoting tissue repair (for quicker healing) as well as those which have anti-inflammatory properties (to reduce pain and swelling).
- Tissue Support. Vitamins C and A, calcium and magnesium all play a part in promoting the healing of damaged tissues. You can add more to your diet through foods like almonds, leafy greens, orange vegetables and citrus fruit, while also taking supplements with these nutrients.
- Anti-inflammatories. Vitamins C and E, along with turmeric, fish oil, evening primrose oil and bromelain all help reduce swelling. Along with supplements, eat more citrus fruits, almonds, orange vegetables and sunflower seeds for these vitamins, and add turmeric to your cooking.
The quick takeaway? If you take only one supplement for tendonitis concerns, consider making it Vitamin C, which accomplishes both.
