A Natural Treatment for Tendonitis

Many people suffer from tendonitis in their elbows, shoulders, heels or wrists. Though it may feel like just a pain at first, it may go undiagnosed and untreated. The tendonitis may be caused by an injury. In this article, we provide natural remedies that can treat this condition effectively.

Do I have tendonitis?

Pain in the tendon, close to a joint, is the main symptom of tendonitis. The pain can disappear, though it usually gets worse with exercise. Consult a doctor if the pain tends to come back daily.

Normal treatment is usually taking anti-inflammatories, however tendonitis generally does not improve quickly. A few natural remedies with anti-inflammatory effects may be effective and will not present any side-effects.

The best diet for tendonitis

To treat tendonitis naturally, there are a few key nutrients that can help. These can be consumed as supplements or in foods:

• Vitamin C. The best way to get vitamin C is by eating foods like oranges, raspberries, strawberries and kiwi. You could also take a vitamin C supplement.
• Magnesium. Aiding collagen production, its essential for the skeleton and tendons. You can consume magnesium via leafy greens, bananas and dried fruit and seeds. You can also consume it via supplements too.
• Vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that aids protection of body tissue from damage. Vitamin E can be found in leafy green vegetables, seeds, egg yolk and wheat germ.
• Bioflavonoids. Bioflavonoids or vitamin P keep collagen levels balanced. You’ll find it in citrus food skins, grapes, peppers and cherries.

Poultices

Poultices can be made at home using medicinal herbs to aid tendon pain. You can use the following plants.

• Comfrey (Symphitum Officinale). This plant helps to repair and strengthen. It can aid contusions and fractures and should be applied externally only.
• Turmeric (Curcuma Longa). This plant has essential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic effects.  It can be applied externally or eaten with other foods.
• Arnica (Arnica Montana). This plant is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

It is best to use these plants fresh. To use them, simply crush them in a mortar and pestle and apply them to the area you need to treat. Cover with a bandage but not too tightly.

If the plants are dry, cook them in a small amount of water and apply directly to the skin. 

Arnica is possibly the best plant to use as it is used by athletes. You can find it in creams and homeopathic remedies.

To use homeopathy, try using Arnica Montana 9 CH and place 3 balls under your tongue, three times a day.

Clay poultices

Clay poultices are an ancient remedy used to treat pain caused by inflammation. Use green or red clay and mix it with water until it becomes a paste. You could also use an infusion with a medicinal plant instead of pure water.

Apply the poultice for 20 minutes and wash well in warm water.

Use once or twice a week for treatment.

Photos courtesy of Matt Lavin and DorteF.