There can be numerous forms of knee injuries that affect joints, tendons, ligaments, bursae and synovial fluids, bones, etc. Pain, inflammation, soreness and tenderness, swelling and heat are usual signs of a knee injury. One of the most common knee injury is that called “Runner’s Knee.” Because treatment and healing can be successfully self-administered, this frequent form of knee discomfort responds well to the use of herbal tinctures, salves, liniments and the like, instead of intervention using prescription medications that can disrupt other body systems.
The term “Runner’s Knee” (patello-femoral syndrome) is basically an inflammation and pain under the knee cap where it rubs on the femur (thigh bone). Runners, dancers, gymnasts, and athletes are susceptible. However, people in general can experience its discomfort if they over exert themselves too quickly while trying to get in shape, have bad body mechanics such as ankle pronation, or perhaps carry too much weight that puts added force on the knees and ankles when walking, going down stairs, bending, or running.
RUNNER'S KNEE
The term “Runner’s Knee” (patello-femoral syndrome) is basically an inflammation and pain under the knee cap where it rubs on the femur (thigh bone). Runners, dancers, gymnasts, and athletes are susceptible. However, people in general can experience its discomfort if they over exert themselves too quickly while trying to get in shape, have bad body mechanics such as ankle pronation, or perhaps carry too much weight that puts added force on the knees and ankles when walking, going down stairs, bending, or running.
The two most common forms of Runner’s Knee are patellar tendonitis and chondromalacia patella. Over-training and poor biomechanics (as a result of injury, ankle pronation, knock knees, and effects of excessive weight) are the leading causes.
Patellar tendonitis is when the pain is localized to the tendon in your knee cap. Chondromalacia patallea means that scarring has occurred because the knee cap does not sit properly in its femoral groove, and the underside has worn down and become rough and deteriorated. This can be caused by a lack of flexibility in any or all of the muscles known as the quadriceps, hamstrings, or calves. Most often, however, it is caused by a problem with the foot or ankle, usually due to excessively worn shoes and over training, if one is a runner. The problem can be exacerbated by excessive hill work.
In short, knee discomfort mostly relates to tendons and other connective tissues (such as ligaments and muscles), but does not have to specifically be localized in the knee. The ankles, calves, quadriceps and hamstrings play a key role in supporting the knee. Of course, other issues may cause knee discomfort, such as deteriorated cartilage, fractured patellar from a fall, or sprain, as noted below.
Because of the herb Solomon’s Seal’s usefulness in reading and adjusting connective tissues (tendons, ligaments), and helping with inflammation, joints (i.e. cartilage, synovial fluid, bursae, etc.) and bones, it should be considered part of a healing regimen with knee issues.
THE USE & EFFECTIVENESS OF ARTHROFAST CONTAINING SOLOMON’S SEAL
The issue of Runner’s Knee is a perfect example of the value of Solomon’s Seal. The herb works well on connective tissues, bones, bursae and synovium, cartilage, and associated inflammation.
Effect on Inflammation The allantoin in Solomon’s Seal acts as an anti-inflammatory that is good not only for joints but also for inflammations of the stomach and bowels. It soothes irritated or damaged tissues and reduces general inflammation. The mucilaginous qualities help to soothe and ease gastric irritation. The value of Solomon’s Seal cannot be underestimated in those instances where NSAIDs (specifically aspirin) damage the lining (or mucosa) of the digestive tract primarily in the stomach and upper intestine. This damage can result in an ulcer or intestinal bleeding.
Effect on Soft Connective Tissues The soft connective tissues surrounding muscles, tendons and ligaments that are damaged/injured often results in inflammation, swelling and edema. It should be understood that excessive out-of-balance tensions on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments can cause unnatural pressures and therefore bony overgrowth into the joint spaces and surrounding tissues. Solomon’s Seal appears to “read” and correct these tension imbalances, working to repair injured tissues while leaving little or no scar tissue. For example, if a tendon is read to be too loose, the tension will be tightened; too tight, the tension will be loosened.
Effect on Synovial Fluid Between Joints It is speculated that Solomon’s Seal stimulates the body to produce cortisone. A similar belief is that it acts on the synovial glands improving the production of synovial fluid and thus lubrication between cartilage-capped joints (knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, fingers, etc). This synovial fluid is slippery and somewhat viscous (it’s been described as “egg-like”), and provides the lubrication so that the ever- moving joints do so freely and don’t abrade or wear at each other. Solomon’s Seal appears to resolve the sensation of friction, grinding, or clicking in joints.
In addition to merely lubricating the joints, Solomon’s Seal softens the outer surface of the cartilage. The joint itself is held in place by tendons, which connect bones and muscles, and ligaments, that connect the bones to bones. Synovial joints exist interdependently with the muscles that surround them. Not only do the joints respond to the will of the muscles, the muscles are also responsive to the goings on in the joints. In any case, the plant possesses a mucilagenous quality that coats and lubricates enflamed tissues while reducing friction and irritation. Solomon’s Seal also helps restore pliancy to tendons and ligaments by supplying moisture to them if they are atrophied. It is specifically indicated for tendonitis and other repetitive motion injuries.
