Dana came into my office eight weeks after spraining her ankle on a trail run. The sprain was a grade 2 sprain, enough damage that she was forced to rest for two weeks. Frustrated, Dana returned to running on a mildly inflamed ankle. Soon, she noticed that the inflammation was hanging around and her foot wasn’t healing properly.
Now, inflammation is generally a good thing especially when a wound or trauma occurs. Inflammatory cells rush to the scene of the trauma to stabilize and remodel the damaged tissue. Without a healthy inflammatory response, we are at risk for fluid loss, blood loss, and tragic consequences. However, when the inflammatory response hangs around long after the job has been done, it loses its effectiveness.
When this happens we may develop low-grade chronic inflammation that can cause several problems including decreased function in our joints.
Hesitant to take over the counter anti-inflammatory medication because of her concern about safety, Dana came to me to discuss her concerns. My recommendations included treatments of hydrotherapy, manual therapy, stretches, and ankle/foot stability exercises to help facilitate the recovery process. Ultimately we discussed taking proteolytic enzymes as an alternative to over-the-counter Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID’s).
Proteolytic enzymes have been used in natural medicine for over 60 years. They are enzymes derived from plant and animal sources. Some of the more common names of proteolytic enzymes include Bromelain (from pineapple), Papain (from Papaya), Rutin, Trypsin, pancreatin, and chymotrypsin.
Traditionally, enzymes have been taken to aid in digestion and to help regulate the immune system.
In my practice, I use them for decreasing chronic inflammation and chronic pain.
Enzymes are naturally occurring and an essential component of our metabolic system. Enzymes are important; they change the shape of chemicals which allows certain normal reactions to take place in the body. Also, enzymes, such as those from the pancreas, are used to help digest nutrients from the diet.
By taking enzymes in a capsule form we are giving the body a substance that can help to facilitate chemical reactions. In a chronically inflamed ankle, inflammation is hanging around and preventing blood flow and healing nutrients from getting to the wounded area. Enzymes can help facilitate the removal of the inert inflammatory particles which are blocking the tissues’ ability to heal completely.
Before you use proteolytic enzymes there are some precautions.
First, make sure you consult with a physician if you are taking anti-coagulant medication (like Coumadin or Warfirin). Enzymes can have an anti-coagulant effect.
Second, be sure to purchase enteric-coated enzymes as they are best absorbed by your body. In addition, if you are severely injured visit your physician for an evaluation before deciding which medications or supplements to take.
Finally, take enzymes on an empty stomach for the best results. It’s always wise to consult a Naturopathic Physician or other Holistically-oriented health care provider prior to self-diagnosing or taking new herbs, nutrients, or neutraceuticals.
So what happened to Dana? She started a home hydrotherapy treatment which involved contrast ice and heat treatments and took proteolytic enzymes. After about two weeks of care, her inflammation reduced and she is back to inflammation-free trail running. Do I think the enzymes cured her? No. However, I think they sped up the process and helped her heal more efficiently.
Adam Rinde, ND is a Naturopathic Physician practicing in Kirkland, Wash. He can be reached at (425) 889-5894 or at www.soundintegrative.com.
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