Category: Orthopedics

Did you know that tendons have a poor blood supply, which can make their healing process notoriously slow? Understanding what nutrient helps heal tendons can provide your body with the vital building blocks and anti-inflammatory support necessary to speed up recovery and strengthen connective tissue.

Protein makes up approximately one-third of the dry mass of a healthy bone, providing the crucial organic scaffolding. When asking how much protein is in a broken bone, it's key to understand that this protein matrix, predominantly collagen, is not just present but actively reshaped during the complex process of repair.

Studies show that a significant percentage of people with musculoskeletal issues also have low vitamin D levels. This emerging link is shedding light on how the 'sunshine vitamin' impacts the health of our tendons, the vital connective tissues that connect muscle to bone.

According to the World Health Organization, millions of people worldwide suffer from insufficient selenium intake, with severe deficiency linked to life-threatening conditions. Keshan disease is the primary disease associated with severe selenium deficiency, though the mineral's absence also contributes to Kashin-Beck disease.

According to the National Institutes of Health, hundreds of thousands of people undergo ACL reconstruction surgery each year, making proper nutrition a critical aspect of recovery. A frequent question for those on the mend is whether a dietary staple like rice is safe to eat and what type offers the most benefits for the healing process.

According to studies, older adults with a hip fracture have a malnutrition rate of 28% to over 50%, a primary factor that greatly impacts recovery. This highlights the critical reality of how poor nutrition affects bone healing and can lead to significantly worse outcomes for patients.

While supplements cannot heal a complete tear, they can play a supportive role in managing inflammation and providing the building blocks for connective tissue health. For individuals dealing with a labral tear, a targeted approach with specific nutrients can aid in recovery and symptom management when combined with medical treatment.

One study on elite athletes found a higher prevalence of inadequate vitamin D in those with a history of lower extremity muscle strains. This compelling finding suggests a potential link when investigating the question: can vitamin d deficiency cause muscle strains?

While cartilage has limited self-repair ability due to a lack of blood supply, certain dietary supplements are widely used to support joint health and manage the symptoms of conditions like osteoarthritis. These supplements, including glucosamine and chondroitin, are believed to provide the building blocks necessary for cartilage maintenance, although their direct ability to regenerate lost cartilage is debated. This article explores the most common supplements and their proven roles in promoting joint well-being.

Approximately 65-70% of human bone by weight is composed of the mineral hydroxyapatite, making it the primary component that answers the question: does hydroxyapatite harden bones?. This crystalline substance is the very foundation of skeletal strength and function.