Tendonitis is swelling, or inflammation, of one or more of your tendons and causes both pain and stiffness in your involved body part. According to the National Health Service of the United Kingdom, this health problem commonly affects tendons in your heels, knees, hips, hands, wrists, elbows and shoulders. Before using magnesium or other supplements to help treat your tendonitis, review all relevant supplement-related topics with your primary care provider.
Tendonitis is most commonly caused by repetitive strain and the accumulation of minor tissue damage over time, notes the American College of Rheumatology, although it may also be caused by sudden, traumatic injuries and is often associated with chronic diseases, including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and thyroid disease. A lump that manifests along your tendon, weakness in your involved area, swelling, redness, heat and pain that gets worse when you move your injured segment are all possible signs and symptoms associated with tendonitis.
Magnesium and Tendonitis
Magnesium, especially when used in combination with calcium, may be helpful in treating your tendonitis and tendon tissue damage. According to certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," magnesium and calcium are required for connective tissue repair -- tendons are a type of connective tissue -- and proper muscular function. These nutrients have long been used as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of tendonitis and bursitis, although more clinical research evidence may be required to validate their use for these health purposes.
Few research studies have evaluated the effects of magnesium in treating tendonitis. Most studies examining the effects of magnesium on tendon problems involve animals who are fed a magnesium-deficient diet before being treated with certain prescription drugs, such as quinolones -- antibacterial agents that are known to cause Achilles tendonitis. A study published in the journal "Archives of Toxicology" in August 2001 concludes that those with a magnesium deficiency may be more susceptible to quinolone-induced tendon problems. Most of the evidence for the use of magnesium in treating tendon problems comes from clinical observations made by health care practitioners.
Because magnesium is usually taken in combination with calcium, and because these two nutrients need to properly balance each other, getting the proper dosage for each of these supplements is important. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the proper daily dosage of magnesium in treating your tendonitis is 750 mg per day and the proper amount of calcium to consume each day is 1,500 mg. Avoid using magnesium and calcium to help treat your tendonitis until you have reviewed the proper dosage -- along with the potential side effects and drug interactions -- with your doctor.