Sprains and Strains: How To Reduce Inflammation and Promote Fast Healing

Imagine that you’ve been training for a marathon for months, you’ve done everything right, have the best diet and exercise regimen, and have the best running shoes. You are pumped with excitement and it’s only weeks away. But life doesn’t always cooperate with us. You wake up one bright, sunny morning and trip over your cat tumbling down the stairs. You now have a sprained ankle and your hopes of competing seem to be lost.

First of all, understand that the swelling, heat, unfortunately, the pain which tells you to stop and rest are not really bad things. Your body is on your side and is working to 1) protect the joint by splinting it by making it stiff and swollen, and 2) begin the healing process by bringing in “clean up” cells, macrophages, to remove the dead tissue and dry blood caused by the injury. Inflammation in the case of a sudden, acute episode of injury or strain, is often a misunderstood function of the physiology of healing.

Today there are many ways to improve the healing process, including vitamins, supplements, and medications.

The top-ranking supplements and vitamins that may help you in your healing process are:

• Alpha-Lipoic Acid a vitamin-like, powerful antioxidant that seems to work in preventing some types of cell damage and can help restore normal vitamin levels.
• Glutathione is commonly called the “mother of all antioxidants” as it tends to boost other antioxidants and has a wide-reaching impact on many conditions. In terms of inflammation, it helps build collagen (a protein needed for skin and connective tissues), therefore benefiting wound healing.
• Magnesium is a significant component in our vast enzyme systems including the structural development of bone and muscle contraction. v
• Vitamin C helps decrease the free radicals which result in lowering the triggers for inflammation.
• Vitamin D’s new research findings are now showing a significant anti-inflammatory effect on the body while decreasing the pain from inflammation.
• Vitamin E works to decrease inflammation as it is another antioxidant. Combining Vitamins C and D may have an even greater benefit.

An option that is being widely used in the NFL is injectable Toradol.

NFL Players use Toradol for acute injuries and pain

Some of the most desirable attributes of Toradol (Ketorolac) are all of the things that it is not.

• It is not a steroid.
• It is not habit-forming.
• It will not cause physical or mental dependence.
• It does not affect mood, appetite or orientation as medical marijuana may.
• It is not a drug that must be taken all of the time.

Toradol injections have been found to decrease inflammation allowing improved muscular function, flexibility and coordination. It works quickly and can be given prior to the event or activity, lasting for an average of 4 to 6 hours. It has become a viable option as a good, short-term management choice.

Toradol is also prescribed for migraines reducing inflammation of the cerebral arteries. It is available by physician prescription and is given in intramuscular injection. Check with your doctor to determine if this is a good choice for you particularly if you are taking other medications or supplements.

Conclusion: Pet the cat, keep your running shoes handy, and employ methods and treatments that can speed up your recovery.

Magnesium Fact Sheet for Health Professionals, National Institutes of Health,

Vitamins That Fight Inflammation, Webmd.com

Role of Antioxidants and Natural Products in Inflammation, National Institute of HealthAlpha Lipoic Acid, University of Rochester, Medical Center

GLUTATHIONE, Webmd.com

Regeneration of injured skeletal muscle after the injury, National Institute of Health