Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 8/13/2006

Question
I have tendonitis pretty bad in my wrists due to repetitive stress injuries and I was wondering if you knew of any treatments for it? I have read about bee pollen venom as a possible treatment but I am not sure that would do anything beyond reduce some short term discomfort.

I have also read  about possible stem cell treatment: http://www.tendinosis.org/future.html
The stem cell research sounds promising but I don't know if anyone is actually offering the treatment in this country or abroad yet.  

Answer
Mr Smith,
Thanks for your question.  For any type of chronic inflammation like tendonitits, I'd start with an anti-inflammatory diet (high fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, moderate in seafood and dairy, low in meats, sugar, alcohol) along with supplements to lower inflammation (fish or flax oil, green food combination) and herbal anti-inflammatories (bromelain, tumeric, rosemary, ginger, boswellia, or a combination of these).  B vitamins especially B6, calcium, magnesium, and potassium are also often used for chronic tendonitis.  In my experience, this is usually effective in decreasing pain so further measures are not needed.  Bee venom is a remedy that may be helpful in some cases of multiple sclerosis, but I do not know of reliable evidence for other conditions.  This treatment as well as stem cell treatment are more invasive, so I would only consider them as a last measure.  In my opinion, basic recommendations should be used first.  
In health,
Dr Conner