Sports Injuries: Tendinitis and Bursitis
The other day, at work, one of the waiters shows up and asked me what he could do about a strain he had just gotten from playing hoops. Obviously I can not give any medical advise, but researching the above mentioned sports injuries all have one thing in common. These commonalities I shall list below.
First an explanation:
What are the causes?
Tendinitis and bursitis can be caused by an abrupt tension of a tendon or bursae, resulting in a sprain or strain. Much like making quick changes of direction on a basketball court. Contracting a muscle repeatedly to exhaustion could result in a similar injury. Tendinitis can also develop if the bones in which the tendon moves develop spurs inhibiting the movement of the tendon. The most important preventative measures one can take are proper warm-up and stretching before strenuous exercise.
Tendinitis is an inflammation of a tendon. Most common areas of injury would be the Calcaneal (Achilles) tendon, the biceps brachii, pollicis brevis and longus of the thumb, patella (knee), tibial posterior (inside the foot), rotator cuff (shoulder).
Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursae. The bursae are sacs with a membrane lining which can be found in between connective tissue between tendons, ligaments, and bones. Inflammation may result from trauma, strain, infection, or arthritis. The most common locations are shoulder, elbow, hip, and the subcutaneous bursae of the knee (the section of the knee my friend pointed too).
If the injury is serious (like when experiencing excruciating pain) the advice of a physician should be sought immediately. Loss of function, or the injury persists for more than two weeks are other signs to make a stroll to a physician.
Treatment of such injuries involves a couple of phases.
1. Inhibition of further inflammation and protection of injured areas.
2. Promotion of healing after the acute phase.
Apply RICE: Rest, Ice the area, Compress with an elastic bandage, Elevate the injured part above heart level.
After the acute phase, about 24 to 48 hours after injury range of motion, stretching exercises should be used to maintain and improve mobility and prevent abnormal scar formation.
Nutritional support:
A high potency multiple vitamin and mineral formula should be in every-bodies regular diet and repertoire of prevention.
Vitamin C supplementation is essential since Vitamin C plays a major role in prevention and repair of injuries. Effective dosages from studies are 500- 1,000 mg three to four times a day.
Citrus flavanoids have been show in double blind, placebo controlled studies to cut recovery from sports injuries in half.(1,2,3) Citrus bioflavanoids: 500- 1,000mg 3xdaily
Or botanical Medicines:
Bromelain, (an enzyme complex from pineapple) has been shown in studies to reduce bruising, inflammation and swelling caused by trauma. 1,800-2,000 mcu (milk clotting units) or gdu (gelatin clotting units). 250-750mg 3xday (4)
Curcumin, the pigment of Curcuma longa (turmeric) exerts excellent antiinflammatory and antioxidant effects. 200-400mg 3xday
Hope this will help make my friend make a lucid decision on what steps to take.
Beste Gesundheit,
Werner
1. Miller M.J., Injuries to Athletes. Med Times 88 (1960): 313-4
2. Cragin R.B., The Use of Bioflavanoids in the Prevention and Treatment of Athletic Injuries. Med Times 90 (1962):529-30
3. Yoshimoto T., Furukawa M., Yamamoto S., et al. Flavonoids: Potent Inhibitors of Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase. Biochem Biophys Res Common 116 (1983): 612-8
4. Blonstein J., Control of Swelling in Boxing Injuries. Practitioner 203. (1960): 206
Heart disease is now accepted to be an inflammatory condition and not due to excess cholesterol.
