Supplements that help inflammed tendons, ligaments, soft tissue

[Crankin]

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia last fall. As with you, I have been very active since I was 25 and I'm 54 now. I have had a never ending series of immune/inflammatory symptoms on and off for my entire adult life, along with several weird symptoms that no one has ever figured out.
I've been on the tricyclic anti depressant on and off for a few months. It helped initially and then I stopped for awhile.
What really has helped me is acupuncture, PT, and yoga. Make sure you find an acupuncturist who has experience with fibromyalgia. The PT has "cured" me of a whole set of problems that I was just enduring while cycling. I now have exercises I do 6 days a week. Again, make sure you find someone who knows about cycling.
I don't really like yoga, either, especially the "spiritual" aspect. In fact, some of it seems silly to me. But, it did help. I do most of it at home now, with yoga that is specifically designed for cyclists. I supplement it with a class at the gym once in awhile.
And don't let the MDs tell you to "take it easy." I know I have to rest more at times, but when my doctor told me to "ride 5 miles instead of 50," I laughed and told him it was five miles just to get to the end of my street!

[TahoeDirtGirl]

I had a couple of bouts of tendonitis, one of which I'm trying to get rid of right now from an injury. Cherry juice is a natural anti-inflam. Plenty of water.

Massage esp. one that incorporates lymphatic drainage is very helpful. I will preface that by saying it is very hard to find a good therapist. I'm still trying to find one in Mass. that is good.

+1 on what Bleeker said about lifestyle. There is alot to be said about that. Stress is a nasty beast as well...

[beccaB]

Have you been around any kids with fifth's disease? In adults the symptoms can be arthritis-like. Some viruses can cause symptoms to linger and cause pain. Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus were 2 things I was tested for when I had symptoms similar to yours, but the tests came back negative. It took about 6 months and lots of Advil, but eventually went away. I take glucosamine /chondroition sulfate /msm and it's not really supposed to work on tendon issues, but I really believe I would have worse problems with the torn rotator cuff if I didn't take it. I also try to stay away from sugar as best I can, because it causes inflammation.Most fruit has anti-inflammatory properties, especially pineapple, and fruit with pits.

[Duck on Wheels]

I have osteoarthritis and can't take the usual pain relievers because my Crohn's Disease has given me ulcers before. So instead my doc recommended glucosamine (with or without condroitin and/or MSM) and turmeric and ginger. It does seem to be working. I was having knife-like pains. Now I only get vague aches when the weather suddenly turns cold, and warm woolies over plus a workout to build up heat from inside tends to take care of those.

[Flur]

It sounds like you have a lot of the same stiffness and pain issues that I have. I've been like this my entire adult life, and it never occurred to me, until recently, that there might actually be something wrong... In the past I've always been told to rest, ice, etc., but I've got an appt in 2 weeks, and I'm not taking ice for an answer! We'll see how it goes...

Most mornings (any morning within 1-2 days of even a light workout) I'm so sore I practically rise from the bed without bending and stiff-leg it around until my muscles start to loosen up b/c I'm so sore. I've found that gentle stretching in bed or on a yoga mat helps (spinal twists on my back, bringing my knees to my chest, etc.) I've found that yoga in the morning helps alot, but going out for a morning walk followed by gentle stretching will have a similar effect of gently warming and loosening the muscles. I also take long (15 minutes), hot showers to loosen stuff up. I ice any sore spots before bed, which really helps alot too.

Acupuncture has helped too, but I only make appts when it's really bad b/c it can get really expensive.