Whatever your choice, always choose wisely. Research what is best for you. If you have a chronic hand or wrist pain condition, don’t make changes without first discussing them with your doctor, in order that your condition may be monitored. Well-informed and supportive practitioners will support patients who want to take responsibility for their own health.
Natural Remedies:
Vitamin C: 3000 mg – 6000 mg per day, preferably split into 2 doses, helps to decrease inflammation, speed healing and increase production of collagen, a protein needed for connective tissue repair. Your kidneys excrete more Vitamin C when your body is stressed, so it’s important to be taking higher doses while planting.
Glucosamine Sulfate and MSM (methyl-sulfonyl-methane): 1-2 grams/day…. these well known supplements work together to decrease pain and inflammation and may enhance reconstruction and healing of cartilage, ligaments and tendons. Connective tissue is continually being broken down and reformed, especially during high stress activities like treeplantering, so supplements can help supply the body’s continuous demand for glucosamine and may help to decrease joint damage and pain. You should begin taking it 2-8 weeks BEFORE the season begins to be effective. Also Glucosamine Sulfate/MSM are said to be safe and effective alternatives to aspirin, Ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory drugs.
Green Drinks: 2 Tbsp/day, in the morning….these are powdered blends of herbs, minerals, and vitamins and are great for enhancing immune strength and speeding healing. They will also improve energy and endurance. Highly recommended! Try to keep them in the fridge or cooler though while you are working. You can get some of the nutrients mentioned above in most greens blends (eg. Zinc, Cal/Mag).
Herbal Teas: Drinking a tea of certain herbs may help to decrease pain and inflammation, clear the body of toxins, and aid in eliminating acid buildup that may contribute to inflammation. Herbs can also provide minerals and nutrients for healing. Any of the following herbs will be easy to find and can help with this (some of these you might even find on the block!); Stinging Nettles (Urtica dioica), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Red Clover (Trifolium pratense), Burdock (Arctium lappa), Oregon Grape Root (Mahonia aquifolium), Willow (Salix sp.), St John’s Wort (Hypericum spp.), and Cleavers (Galium aparine).
Eating well and getting adequate rest are important for healing any type of acute or chronic hand or wrist pain condition. Take a multi-vitamin and eat well, especially good quality protein like chicken, fish and tempeh as even this can help to heal tendonitis faster. However, since you’re already out there working and stressing your body, the best you can do is try to minimize inflammation and provide your body with the nutrients it needs to rebuild damaged tissue. Using the following remedies in the months leading up to the season may help to strengthen your body and prevent tendonitis while you’re planting.
