July 10, 2000 – Epicondylitis, better known as “tennis elbow”, may be relieved with a combination of antioxidants and essential fatty acids. This new treatment has been used by the Danish Olympic Committee to treat several hundred cases of inflammatory injuries.
Epicondylitis is characterized by pain in or around the lateral epicondyle of the humerus (one of the bones in the forearm), or in the extensor muscle of the forearm, following a unusual effort. The problem can affect all people who have to use certain muscles in an unusual and constant way: tennis players, violinists, mothers, workers, etc.
According to Sören Mavrogenis, a physiotherapist with the Danish Olympic Committee, who has conducted research (not yet published) with his colleagues, the results confirm the clinical observations and suggest that inflammatory injuries can be treated without using non-inflammatory anti-inflammatory drugs. -steroid drugs. “For the first time, we were able to provide our patients with safe and reliable treatment for stress injuries leading to a chronic inflammatory response. With this treatment, athletes are even able to continue to actively train while they are being treated. ”
The supplements used are a mixture of omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil), omega-6 (borage oil) and vitamins A, B6, C and E with zinc and selenium. According to Mavrogenis, most athletes see improvement within 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the severity of the injury, and average cases heal with the only mixture of supplements and vitamins. In the most severe cases, treatment may have to continue for several months and also require intensive ultrasound and massage sessions.
According to Dr. Claus Hancke, great effort produces a lot of free radicals which damage healthy cells by oxidizing phospholipids in cell membranes. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals. On the other hand, essential fatty acids play an important role in the production of type 1 and 3 prostaglandins, which help fight pain and inflammation. According to him, the combination of antioxidants and essential fatty acids has an effect equal to or better than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
HealthPassport.net
According to Reuters Health, April 26, 2000
