Ayurvedic Medicine for Ligament Strengthening: What Actually Works?

Question

I tore a ligament in my ankle about six months ago while playing football. Even after rest and physiotherapy, it still feels weak, and I’m afraid of injuring it again. My doctor says the ligaments are healing, but I can tell they’re not as strong as before. I’m looking into Ayurvedic remedies that might help with ligament strengthening and overall joint stability.

I’ve read about herbs like Ashwagandha, Bala, and Hadjod (Cissus quadrangularis) that are said to support connective tissue health. Has anyone here used Ayurvedic medicines for ligament recovery or strengthening? How effective are they, and do they need to be combined with specific exercises for best results? I’d love to hear about your experiences or any tips for faster recovery and avoiding future injuries.

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

Recovering from a ligament injury can be a slow process, especially in areas like the ankle that bear a lot of body weight and are prone to reinjury. While it’s encouraging that your doctor confirms the healing process, adding Ayurvedic medications like Ashwagandha, Bala, Laksha, Murivenna oil and Hadjod (Cissus quadrangularis) may help accelerate recovery by supporting ligament and connective tissue strength. Here’s how these herbs, combined with exercises, could support your healing and prevent future injuries:

Ayurvedic Herbs for Ligament Strengthening
Hadjod (Cissus quadrangularis):
Known for its ability to support bone and connective tissue health, Hadjod promotes collagen synthesis, which is essential for ligament repair and strength. Studies have shown it may help accelerate healing in bone fractures and soft tissue injuries, so it could be especially beneficial for stabilizing your ankle.
Bala (Sida cordifolia):
Bala is revered in Ayurveda for its strengthening properties, especially for joints and ligaments. It may improve blood flow and reduce inflammation, which supports healing. Bala also helps prevent future injuries by promoting overall joint resilience.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera):
Ashwagandha is known for its adaptogenic properties, which help the body respond to physical stress. It can improve muscle strength and reduce fatigue, making it easier to progress in strengthening exercises. This herb also supports immune health, which is essential for recovery.
These herbs are typically taken as capsules, powders, or as part of an Ayurvedic tonic. However, it’s crucial to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner to determine the correct dosage and combinations, as they can assess your specific needs and any contraindications.

Exercise and Rehabilitation Tips
While Ayurvedic remedies can support internal healing, targeted exercises are essential to rebuild ligament strength and ankle stability:

Balance and Proprioception Training:
Use tools like a balance board or stability cushion to improve ankle stability. Proprioception exercises help retrain the nerves and muscles around the ligament, reducing your risk of reinjury.
Resistance Exercises:
Start with resistance bands to gently strengthen the muscles around the ankle. Gradually progress to weight-bearing exercises as your ankle stabilizes.
Stretching and Flexibility:
Incorporate gentle stretches for the calf and Achilles tendon, as tightness here can put extra strain on the ankle. Stretching helps maintain flexibility, which is important for preventing future injuries.
Low-Impact Movements:
Try activities like swimming or cycling, which provide a low-impact way to strengthen the ankle without the risk of sudden movements or reinjury.
Dietary Support
Diet can also play a role in connective tissue repair. Consider foods rich in collagen (like bone broth), vitamin C (citrus, bell peppers), and omega-3 fatty acids (flaxseed, chia seeds, fish oil) to support joint health and ligament healing.

Dr. Ayush Varma · Answer

Ah, ligament injuries can be stubborn, right? Modern medicine does its bit, but Ayurveda can really give your healing process a boost. It’s not just about the herbs but a comprehensive approach that covers diet, lifestyle and exercise too.

So, focusing on herbs first. You're onto something with Ashwagandha, Bala, and Hadjod, these actually are pretty great choices. Ashwagandha helps in muscle strength and vitality, but it’s also about reducing Vata dosha imbalance, which is usually aggravated in injuries. Having Ashwagandha churna (powder) with milk or water daily might be beneficial here.

Bala’s another excellent option, mainly for its rejuvenating effects and promoting elasticity and strength of muscles and ligaments. Try Bala oil massages – gentle, daily, and focus on the affected area. Hadjod, true to its name, literally means “bone joiner” and is known for its terriffic bone strengthening qualities. You can take it as part of a decoction or even in tablet form if available.

Then, diet. Make sure you're consuming enough proteins and vitamin C, since these are crucial for collagen formation. Foods like almonds, sesame seeds, dairy, and green leafy vegetables should be your best friends. Warm, cooked foods generally keep Agni good. Keep away from cold, raw foods as that might slow down your digestive strength.

Don’t forget exercises, but don’t overdo it. Regular, gentle, strengthening exercises, maybe advised by your physio – focus more on balance work, because strong ankles need stable bases, right? Yogic asanas like Tadasana and Vrikshasana may provide excellent balance training with support.

Keep joint warm, anoint with warm sesame oil every day. Avoid cold drafts and sitting on bare floors, it impacts the subtler energies.

Lastly, avoid carrying heavy weights and running until you're fully confident about your ankle strength. Injuries have a way of testing our patience but rest assured you're on the right path. (P.S: This advice doesn’t replace medical care!)

Ayurvedic Medicine for Ligament Strengthening: What Actually Works? - #1320

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