Patellar tendon strain—also known as jumper’s knee—is a common injury, especially among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. This type of injury occurs when the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone gets overstretched or ruptured. While conventional treatments such as physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and medication can help speed up recovery, adjusting your diet can also significantly contribute to your healing process. In this blog post, we’ll discuss foods to avoid with patellar tendon strain and some helpful tips to get you back on your feet.
Processed Foods
Processed foods like junk foods, chips, and sugary snacks are high in refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and empty calories. These foods can trigger inflammation and slow down your body’s natural healing process. Instead, choose nutrient-dense whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. These foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Fried Foods
Fried foods are also high in unhealthy fats that can trigger inflammation and worsen your patellar tendon strain symptoms. Avoid fried foods like French fries, fried chicken, and fried seafood. Instead, opt for healthier cooking methods like baking, grilling, or broiling. You can also try air-frying as a healthier alternative to deep-frying.
Gluten
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley that can cause inflammation in some people. If you have patellar tendon strain, try avoiding gluten-containing foods like bread, pasta, cereals, and baked goods. Instead, choose gluten-free alternatives like quinoa, brown rice, gluten-free bread, and gluten-free flour.
Dairy Products
Dairy products like milk, cheese, and butter can also worsen inflammation and pain in people with patellar tendon strain. Dairy products contain a protein called casein, which can cause an inflammatory response in some individuals. Instead, try plant-based alternatives like almond milk, coconut milk, and vegan cheeses.
Alcohol
Alcohol is a known inflammatory agent that can delay your healing process and worsen patellar tendon strain symptoms. Avoid alcohol or limit your intake to small amounts during your recovery period. Instead, try herbal teas, non-alcoholic beer, or fresh fruit juices to nourish your body and aid your healing process.
Diet plays a crucial role in your body’s natural healing process. By choosing wholesome, anti-inflammatory foods and avoiding foods that trigger inflammation, you can speed up your recovery and reduce pain and discomfort caused by patellar tendon strain. Consider consulting with a registered dietitian or naturopathic doctor to help you develop a healthy diet plan that suits your specific needs. Also, remember to complement your diet with other conventional therapies like physiotherapy and chiropractic care for optimal results. With a combination of appropriate treatments, a healthy diet, and consistent effort, you can overcome patellar tendon strain and get back to doing the activities you love.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Bhavin Mistry, BASc, MAN, RD or another Kitchener dietitian at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
