Vitamins for knee injury?

lamb · 01-Apr-04, 05:49 AM

Hello
I've damaged my knee. The physio says he suspects I have torn some of my cartilage under my knee cap and maybe some damage to lateral miniscus (sp?). (So much for the power of positive thinking - was telling myself 'just 2 more' for my squats - doing them heavier than usual then ouch!). Note to self - remember I'm 44 and not 20 anymore.

Anyway, I've started to take Glucosamine (375mg) & Chonroitin (300mg), Vit C (500mg) and Omega-3 (1000mg). Does anyone know how much I should be taking for optimum repair (presumably more than the recommended dosage on the bottles 'cos it's not for maintenance at this stage, but repair).

Also, I'm really missing my endorphins - am scared to do anything now in case i end up aggravating the knee. How many crunches/bench presses/bicep curls do you reckon I should be doing (I figure I can still do these without hurting my knee any further). The physio has also suggested swimming (which I find extremely boring) but our pool closes in a few weeks for the winter so that will be out soon too.
cheers

01-Apr-04, 08:51 PM

Welcome to the board lamb. I'm an older lifter too, and know what you mean about not being 22, lol

Myself, I would bump up my dose to three times the amount you are currently using. No scientific basis for that, just sometimes giving you body more than it needs for a few weeks might help it along.

lamb · 01-Apr-04, 11:45 PM

Thanks IronMan
Yeah, will give that a go - I'm hoping for a miraculous recovery (in which case I'll sing the praises of this stuff i'm taking) - don't like the idea of snipping away cartilage LOL

**Gooseneck** · 02-Apr-04, 11:00 AM

Glucosamine is awesome stuff from what I've heard. I'm thinking about taking it myself for my shoulder.

Streax · 02-Apr-04, 01:35 PM

pay special attention to your energy levels when taking high doses of glucosamine. If you start to feel lethargic, it is probably the culprit. I had extreme problems with lethargy when I was taking it for a dislocated shoulder. No one ever said anything to me about that side effect. When I went off of it, things started getting better. I later read months later about this being a problem.

Streax · 02-Apr-04, 01:42 PM

It decreases insulin sensitivity.

http://www.discussfitness.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5770

ASS COBRA · 05-Apr-04, 05:39 PM

Vit C, collagen (gelatin), and green tea extract also help the formulation of connective tissues

lamb · 07-Apr-04, 06:54 AM

Hey Everyone!
Thanks so much for all this info - really appreciate it

cheers

**Aw-De-Oh** · 14-Apr-04, 07:57 AM

We're selling Glucosamine products faster than we can get them in (i work for a company that supplies alot of chemists with their drug/sundry product), it's pretty good stuff. Your physio should know what you can take. I assume you're American, sorry if I'm wrong, but the NZ/Aust Men's Health magazine's just done a good article on vitamins etc. and what the recommended/safe doses are. I know alot come from the American version of the mag, so you could prolly pick it up over there. Otherwise, do a search on the different things you're taking. Good luck with the recovery