Descriptions

Tendonitis is an inflammatory condition of a tendon, usually resulting from a strain. It usually heals within two weeks, but may become chronic. In this case, calcium salts may deposit along the tendon fibres.

Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa, the membrane sac which contains joint lubricating fluid. It may be caused by traumatic strain, infection or arthritic conditions. If allowed to develop, the bursa can form calcified deposits and become a chronic problem.

Treatment

Supplements

¨      Vitamin C; is important for the formation of collagen, ground substance and intercellular cement substance; all important around joints and tendons.

¨      Vitamin A and beta-carotene; important for collagen synthesis and wound healing.

¨      Zinc; has similar functions to vitamin A, plus reduction of inflammation.

¨      Boron; important for calcium metabolism - can reverse calcification.

¨      Bioflavonoids; extremely effective in reducing inflammation and building collagen.

¨      Quercetin and pine bark extract will be explained more fully later.

¨      Glucosamine compounds; recognition of the importance of these substances is a recent development. These are the basic building blocks of collagen and other tissue components, and are needed in large amounts for tissue repair. We should be able to produce them within our bodies, but when production is insufficient, supplementation can produce some impressive results.

¨      Vitamin E and Selenium; work together to reduce inflammation by antioxidant effects, and greatly speed up healing.

Herbal Supplements

Boswellia

A standardised extract of Boswellia, used on its own at the rate of 600mg per day, has been shown, in one study, to improve symptoms in 97% of patients, aged from 5 to 75, presenting with rheumatoid arthritis. The treatment reduced joint swelling, reduced morning stiffness, increased mobility, reduced heat, increased blood circulation and gave pain relief. In addition to its anti-inflammatory and indirect pain-relieving action, boswellic acid, the main active constituent of boswellia extract, also has a repairing effect on all joint tissues, due to its powerful anti-oxidant effects. This herb extract is currently not too well known, but could become a major aid for joint problems during the next few years.

Bioflavonoids

¨      Bioflavonoids are extremely effective in reducing inflammation and stabilising collagen structures.

¨      Quercetin is a particularly effective flavonoid, since as well as limiting inflammation, it also has powerful healing effects.

¨      Pine bark extract is a mixture of various flavonoids, with anti-oxidant effects, many times stronger than either vitamin C or vitamin E. In large enough doses, it has been known to relieve arthritis and muscular pain overnight.

¨      Grape Seed Extract is slightly stronger than pine bark extract. A combination of the two is very powerful.

To buy any of these products, click this link: www.NationalNutrition.co.uk