We observed an intriguing case involving a 4.5-year-old boy who developed significant knee pain due to a rare nutritional deficiency, scurvy. This condition stemmed from his exclusive intake of meat over the past two years, resulting in skeletal issues and inflammation in multiple joints, including his knees.
Upon examination, the child exhibited several symptoms, including pain, swelling, and an inability to walk. Standard blood tests primarily indicated anemia, but X-rays revealed alarming conditions related to scurvy, such as delayed bone age and severe osteopenia. This alarming picture led us to the conclusion that vitamin C deficiency was the underlying culprit behind his knee pain and skeletal issues.
After initiating vitamin C therapy, we noted a remarkable reduction in pain and swelling over the next two months. The child’s condition improved significantly, allowing him to walk again, and follow-up X-rays confirmed the positive changes in his bone health. This case clearly illustrates how vitamin C can effectively alleviate knee pain related to scurvy and reinforces the importance of proper nutrition for overall skeletal health.
We observed a case involving a man in his 60s with a history of head and neck cancer who presented with unexplained pain in his left knee and bruising in both his upper and lower limbs, symptoms that had been ongoing for about three weeks. Further tests revealed that his blood showed signs of normocytic anemia and slightly abnormal clotting, yet no major inflammatory issues were found.
Upon examination of his knee, we found blood in the joint, known as haemarthrosis, and a crucial lab test indicated that he had an undetectable level of vitamin C in his blood. This led to a diagnosis of scurvy, a condition caused by severe vitamin C deficiency, which we identified as the underlying reason for his joint bleeding.
After starting vitamin C supplementation along with dietary changes and managing his pain with acetaminophen, the patient's vitamin C levels returned to normal. Excitingly, his knee pain and swelling improved significantly. This case sheds light on scurvy as a rare but important cause of knee pain and discomfort, especially in patients at risk, showing that effective treatment is available.
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9
Vitamin C reduces knee pain risk
Prospective randomized study of the vitamin C effect on pain and complex pain regional syndrome after total knee arthroplasty.
We designed a prospective randomized study to explore how vitamin C may prevent complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) in patients recovering from total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This condition often manifests after surgery, causing persistent pain that can severely affect recovery. To evaluate vitamin C's effectiveness, we compared one group of patients receiving vitamin C to another group that did not.
During the research, we included a total of 292 patients, with 153 in the vitamin C group and 139 in the control group. We tracked the incidence of CRPS, applying both the Budapest criteria and bone scintigraphy to make accurate diagnoses.
Our findings revealed a significant difference: only 3.9% of patients in the vitamin C group developed CRPS, compared to 12.2% in the control group. This led us to conclude that taking 1 gram of vitamin C daily for 40 days following TKA can effectively reduce the risk of developing CRPS.
In simple terms, it appears that vitamin C can serve as a valuable preventive measure against chronic pain after knee surgery, providing hope for those aiming to recover smoothly.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
8
Reduced joint pain
2 people found this helpful
Joint pain and stiffness have significantly diminished for both me and my 60-pound Border Collie. We are very pleased with these results. I continue with this Vitamin C form, as I don't mind the taste, but my dog prefers sodium ascorbate due to taste issues. Importantly, this is a non-GMO product.
Read More
7.5
Avoided knee pain
1 people found this helpful
This high-quality vitamin has prevented me from falling ill, and I've forgotten about my knee pain in the mornings. Thank you, Now Foods!
Read More
7.5
Effective for symptoms
1 people found this helpful
I've consistently bought this powder due to its favourable quantity and price compared to capsules. It effectively alleviates my knee pain, colds, and severe itching from insect bites and hives. When symptoms were intense, I took 1000mg every 10 minutes, and within an hour, I felt relief. It's a vital supplement to keep at home.
We observed a fascinating case involving a previously healthy three-year-old boy who presented with acute knee pain. Initially, his doctors diagnosed him with transient synovitis, assuming this common condition would resolve on its own. However, the situation took a turn when he returned with worsening pain and new symptoms, including a rash and significant bruising.
Through careful examination and testing, we identified that the root cause of his discomfort was vitamin C deficiency, likely due to inadequate dietary intake. This finding was confirmed through blood tests, leading to a targeted treatment with oral vitamin C.
Within six weeks of starting the vitamin C supplementation, we noted a remarkable turnaround in his health. His knee pain and other symptoms nearly vanished as he engaged in a balanced diet to prevent future deficiencies. This case highlights the important connection between vitamin C levels and joint health, reminding us how critical nutrition is to overall well-being, especially in children.
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9.5
Vitamin C shows promise for knee pain
High Dose Intraveneous Vitamin C and Chikungunya Fever: A Case Report.
We examined the potential benefits of high-dose intravenous vitamin C for relieving knee pain in a patient suffering from Chikungunya fever. The patient, a 54-year-old Hispanic individual, reported symptoms that included left shoulder and knee pain along with fever. Symptoms began abruptly during the night on a Saturday in September 2014.
The treatment involved administering high doses of vitamin C over two days. Remarkably, after the infusion, the patient's symptoms resolved without experiencing any side effects. This case suggests that intravenous vitamin C could be a promising treatment option for those suffering from acute viral infections and associated knee pain.
While this study is intriguing and highlights a potential treatment avenue, further research is needed to conclusively establish the effects of vitamin C on knee pain, specifically in the context of viral infections.
We observed a case involving a man in his 60s with a history of head and neck cancer who presented with unexplained pain in his left knee and bruising in both his upper and lower limbs, symptoms that had been ongoing for about three weeks. Further tests revealed that his blood showed signs of normocytic anemia and slightly abnormal clotting, yet no major inflammatory issues were found.
Upon examination of his knee, we found blood in the joint, known as haemarthrosis, and a crucial lab test indicated that he had an undetectable level of vitamin C in his blood. This led to a diagnosis of scurvy, a condition caused by severe vitamin C deficiency, which we identified as the underlying reason for his joint bleeding.
After starting vitamin C supplementation along with dietary changes and managing his pain with acetaminophen, the patient's vitamin C levels returned to normal. Excitingly, his knee pain and swelling improved significantly. This case sheds light on scurvy as a rare but important cause of knee pain and discomfort, especially in patients at risk, showing that effective treatment is available.
Read More
9
Vitamin C reduces knee pain risk
Prospective randomized study of the vitamin C effect on pain and complex pain regional syndrome after total knee arthroplasty.
We designed a prospective randomized study to explore how vitamin C may prevent complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) in patients recovering from total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This condition often manifests after surgery, causing persistent pain that can severely affect recovery. To evaluate vitamin C's effectiveness, we compared one group of patients receiving vitamin C to another group that did not.
During the research, we included a total of 292 patients, with 153 in the vitamin C group and 139 in the control group. We tracked the incidence of CRPS, applying both the Budapest criteria and bone scintigraphy to make accurate diagnoses.
Our findings revealed a significant difference: only 3.9% of patients in the vitamin C group developed CRPS, compared to 12.2% in the control group. This led us to conclude that taking 1 gram of vitamin C daily for 40 days following TKA can effectively reduce the risk of developing CRPS.
In simple terms, it appears that vitamin C can serve as a valuable preventive measure against chronic pain after knee surgery, providing hope for those aiming to recover smoothly.
Read More
9
Vitamin C for knee pain relief
Skeletal manifestations of scurvy: a case report from dubai.
We observed an intriguing case involving a 4.5-year-old boy who developed significant knee pain due to a rare nutritional deficiency, scurvy. This condition stemmed from his exclusive intake of meat over the past two years, resulting in skeletal issues and inflammation in multiple joints, including his knees.
Upon examination, the child exhibited several symptoms, including pain, swelling, and an inability to walk. Standard blood tests primarily indicated anemia, but X-rays revealed alarming conditions related to scurvy, such as delayed bone age and severe osteopenia. This alarming picture led us to the conclusion that vitamin C deficiency was the underlying culprit behind his knee pain and skeletal issues.
After initiating vitamin C therapy, we noted a remarkable reduction in pain and swelling over the next two months. The child’s condition improved significantly, allowing him to walk again, and follow-up X-rays confirmed the positive changes in his bone health. This case clearly illustrates how vitamin C can effectively alleviate knee pain related to scurvy and reinforces the importance of proper nutrition for overall skeletal health.
Joint pain and stiffness have significantly diminished for both me and my 60-pound Border Collie. We are very pleased with these results. I continue with this Vitamin C form, as I don't mind the taste, but my dog prefers sodium ascorbate due to taste issues. Importantly, this is a non-GMO product.
Read More
7.5
Avoided knee pain
1 people found this helpful
This high-quality vitamin has prevented me from falling ill, and I've forgotten about my knee pain in the mornings. Thank you, Now Foods!
Read More
7.5
Effective for symptoms
1 people found this helpful
I've consistently bought this powder due to its favourable quantity and price compared to capsules. It effectively alleviates my knee pain, colds, and severe itching from insect bites and hives. When symptoms were intense, I took 1000mg every 10 minutes, and within an hour, I felt relief. It's a vital supplement to keep at home.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
Knee pain is a common condition that can result from various causes, including injuries, overuse, and underlying medical conditions such as arthritis. The knee joint is a complex structure composed of bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, all of which work together to enable movement and support body weight. When any of these components are damaged or inflamed, it can lead to discomfort, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in the affected area.
In many cases, knee pain can manifest as acute pain following an injury, such as a tear in a ligament or cartilage damage. Alternatively, it may develop gradually due to factors like repetitive strain, age-related degeneration, or conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment options vary widely and may include rest, physical therapy, medication, or, in severe cases, surgical interventions. If you're experiencing persistent knee pain, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
Ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for various bodily functions, including the synthesis of collagen, the absorption of iron, and the maintenance of a healthy immune system. Found naturally in a variety of fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, and bell peppers, it serves as a potent antioxidant, helping to protect cells from damage by free radicals. Given that the human body cannot synthesize ascorbic acid on its own, it must be obtained through diet or supplementation.
In addition to its fundamental role in supporting overall health, ascorbic acid has garnered interest for its potential benefits in skincare and wound healing. Topical applications of vitamin C can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve skin texture, making it a popular ingredient in various cosmetic formulations. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in the body's ability to repair tissues and produce important neurotransmitters. For those looking to boost their vitamin C intake, incorporating a variety of vitamin C-rich foods into your diet or considering a supplement can be effective strategies.
Based on user reviews, the time it typically takes to see results from this supplement for knee pain can vary. Some users report significant improvement after consistent use, highlighting that their joint pain and stiffness have diminished significantly over time. For example, one user specifically mentions forgetting about their knee pain in the mornings, suggesting that relief can be quite rapid, especially after regular intake Read Review.
Additionally, another user shared their experience of feeling relief within an hour after taking a higher dosage when symptoms peaked Read Review. While individual experiences may vary, it's clear that consistent use of this supplement has led many to find effective relief, often within a short period. Therefore, you might expect to notice improvements relatively quickly, possibly within days to weeks depending on your dosage and individual response.
Based on the available scientific research, the support for vitamin C as a direct treatment for knee pain appears to be inconclusive. Several studies have investigated vitamin C's effects in different contexts related to knee pain. For instance, one study involving patients post-knee surgery indicated that while vitamin C could reduce blood loss and inflammation, it did not significantly alleviate knee pain compared to a placebo [1]. Similarly, research involving osteoarthritis showed that while a supplement containing vitamin C contributed to improved function and reduced pain, isolating vitamin C's specific effectiveness was challenging due to the multi-component nature of the treatment [2].
In a more focused examination of athletes with patellar tendinopathy, the combination of vitamin C and collagen showed potential positive effects on knee pain, yet there is still much data analysis pending to draw definitive conclusions [3]. Moreover, while some case studies highlight remarkable improvements in knee pain related to vitamin C deficiency, these are not universally applicable to the general population [11]. Thus, while vitamin C may play a role in joint health and recovery, its specific benefits for knee pain relief remain uncertain across various studies.
Users have reported a range of improvements in symptoms after using this supplement, particularly regarding joint pain and overall health. One user mentioned that both they and their dog experienced significant reductions in joint pain and stiffness, expressing satisfaction with the results Read Review. Another reviewer noted that this vitamin has not only helped to alleviate their knee pain to the point of forgetting about it in the mornings but also contributed to preventing illness, highlighting its broader health benefits Read Review.
Furthermore, a user shared their experience of using the supplement to tackle various issues, such as knee pain and allergic reactions, stating they felt relief within an hour by taking higher doses during peak symptoms Read Review. These anecdotes suggest that many users experience noticeable improvements in their symptoms, although, as with any supplement, individual results can vary based on factors like dosage, condition severity, and personal health. Overall, this product has garnered positive feedback, indicating its potential effectiveness for various health concerns.
Users have reported positive experiences when combining this supplement with other products to manage knee pain effectively. One user mentioned using this vitamin specifically to address joint pain, along with other issues like colds and allergic reactions, indicating that it provided relief not just for knee pain but also for various symptoms when taken in higher doses during peak discomfort Read Review. This suggests that users find it beneficial to pair this supplement with additional treatments or higher dosages to enhance their overall symptom management, allowing for greater flexibility in handling acute symptoms.
Furthermore, the anecdotal feedback reveals that some users choose to mix this supplement with alternative forms, such as sodium ascorbate, to cater to personal preferences, like taste Read Review. The variety in intake methods appears to underscore the versatility of this supplement, which can accommodate different user needs and potentially boost its effectiveness when combined with proper dosing and alternative formulations.
Users report varying doses of Ascorbic Acid for treating knee pain, with some finding great success using specific amounts to alleviate their discomfort. One user noted that taking 1000mg every 10 minutes provided rapid relief from knee pain, highlighting the potential effectiveness of this dosing strategy for acute symptoms Read Review. Other users have appreciated that consistent supplementation not only reduces knee pain but may also help with overall health; one mentioned forgetting about their knee pain in the mornings after regular use Read Review.
It's worth noting that while some users see substantial improvements with these higher doses, they often also emphasize the importance of personal tolerance and the need for adjustments based on individual responses. As such, while there isn't a universally agreed-upon "right" dose, many users advocate for experimenting within a reasonable range to find what works best for their unique situations. It's advisable for anyone considering this supplementation approach, especially at higher doses, to consult with a healthcare professional.
7.5
Avoided knee pain
1 people found this helpful
This high-quality vitamin has prevented me from falling ill, and I've forgotten about my knee pain in the mornings. Thank you, Now Foods!
7.5
Effective for symptoms
1 people found this helpful
I've consistently bought this powder due to its favourable quantity and price compared to capsules. It effectively alleviates my knee pain, colds, and severe itching from insect bites and hives. When symptoms were intense, I took 1000mg every 10 minutes, and within an hour, I felt relief. It's a vital supplement to keep at home.
8
Reduced joint pain
2 people found this helpful
Joint pain and stiffness have significantly diminished for both me and my 60-pound Border Collie. We are very pleased with these results. I continue with this Vitamin C form, as I don't mind the taste, but my dog prefers sodium ascorbate due to taste issues. Importantly, this is a non-GMO product.
5
Vitamin C reduces blood loss
Ascorbic Acid Reduces the Blood Boss After Total Knee Arthroplasty: Insights From a Randomized Controlled Trial.
We explored how vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, might impact knee pain and blood loss in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In a well-designed randomized controlled trial, patients were divided into two groups: one group received intravenous vitamin C, while the other received a placebo. This setup helped us assess the effects of vitamin C on blood loss and associated outcomes accurately.
Our findings showed that the patients who received vitamin C experienced significantly less drop in hemoglobin levels—a marker for blood loss—compared to those in the placebo group. However, when it comes to knee pain and function, the scores on the various patient-reported measurements were quite similar between both groups.
This leads us to conclude that while vitamin C appears effective at reducing blood loss in the early postoperative period, it did not translate into any significant differences in postoperative knee pain relief. Therefore, while vitamin C can be combined with other blood-preserving agents like tranexamic acid, its direct effect on knee pain specifically remains inconclusive.
8
Evaluated Vitamin C's knee pain effects
Evaluation of the Cartinorm Use in the Therapy of Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis.
We explored how Vitamin C might affect knee pain in patients suffering from osteoarthritis. The study involved 60 participants who were experiencing clinical and radiological signs of knee osteoarthritis. Over three months, they took Cartinorm, a supplement that included glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, forti gel, and Vitamin C, all aimed at improving their symptoms.
While we noticed improvements in movement, reduced pain, and enhanced daily living activities among the patients, it is important to note that we cannot specifically attribute these benefits to Vitamin C alone. It was included in a treatment that involved multiple components, which means isolating its effect on knee pain isn’t feasible with the current data.
Overall, while the treatment showed positive results, the specific impact of Vitamin C on knee pain remains inconclusive. Thus, further studies are necessary to understand its effectiveness in this context.
5
Vitamin C's potential in knee recovery
The JUMPFOOD study: additional effect of hydrolyzed collagen and vitamin C to exercise treatment for patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee) in athletes-study protocol for a double-blind randomized controlled trial.
We conducted a study to see how vitamin C, combined with hydrolyzed collagen, could help athletes dealing with knee pain, specifically those suffering from patellar tendinopathy, often known as jumper's knee. Our research involved a double-blind, randomized controlled trial, meaning neither the participants nor the researchers knew who was receiving the real treatment or a placebo. This setup helps ensure that our findings are as accurate as possible.
Over the course of 24 weeks,76 athletes participated in a program that included tendon loading exercises. Those in the intervention group received daily doses of 10 grams of hydrolyzed collagen and 40 milligrams of vitamin C, while the control group took a placebo. We measured their knee pain and overall function using the VISA-P score, a tool designed to assess pain and sports participation effectiveness.
With our detailed approach, we aimed to evaluate whether the combination of vitamin C and collagen showed any significant improvement in knee pain compared to just the exercise program alone. While we continue to analyze our data and await conclusive results, the overall study is pioneering in assessing this unique combination for recovery in athletes experiencing knee pain.
9
Vitamin C for knee pain relief
Skeletal manifestations of scurvy: a case report from dubai.
We observed an intriguing case involving a 4.5-year-old boy who developed significant knee pain due to a rare nutritional deficiency, scurvy. This condition stemmed from his exclusive intake of meat over the past two years, resulting in skeletal issues and inflammation in multiple joints, including his knees.
Upon examination, the child exhibited several symptoms, including pain, swelling, and an inability to walk. Standard blood tests primarily indicated anemia, but X-rays revealed alarming conditions related to scurvy, such as delayed bone age and severe osteopenia. This alarming picture led us to the conclusion that vitamin C deficiency was the underlying culprit behind his knee pain and skeletal issues.
After initiating vitamin C therapy, we noted a remarkable reduction in pain and swelling over the next two months. The child’s condition improved significantly, allowing him to walk again, and follow-up X-rays confirmed the positive changes in his bone health. This case clearly illustrates how vitamin C can effectively alleviate knee pain related to scurvy and reinforces the importance of proper nutrition for overall skeletal health.
References
Hosseini-Monfared P, Mirahmadi A, Sarzaeem MM, Pourshahryari S, Aminnia P, et al. Ascorbic Acid Reduces the Blood Boss After Total Knee Arthroplasty: Insights From a Randomized Controlled Trial. Arthroplast Today. 2025;32:101618. 10.1016/j.artd.2025.101618
Muftic M, Trifunovic S, Galijasevic K. Evaluation of the Cartinorm Use in the Therapy of Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis. Mater Sociomed. 2024;36:54. 10.5455/msm.2024.36.54-58
van Dam L, Terink R, Mensink M, de Vos RJ, Zwerver J. The JUMPFOOD study: additional effect of hydrolyzed collagen and vitamin C to exercise treatment for patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee) in athletes-study protocol for a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Trials. 2023;24:768. 10.1186/s13063-023-07783-2
Ramón R, Holguín E, Chiriboga JD, Rubio N, Ballesteros C, et al. Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Vitamin C during the Postoperative Period in Patients Subjected to Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Pers Med. 2023;13. 10.3390/jpm13091299
Marquardt P, Raman G, Shen YM, Wang DH. Scurvy: a rare cause of haemarthrosis. BMJ Case Rep. 2022;15. 10.1136/bcr-2021-244594
Jacques H, Jérôme V, Antoine C, Lucile S, Valérie D, et al. Prospective randomized study of the vitamin C effect on pain and complex pain regional syndrome after total knee arthroplasty. Int Orthop. 2021;45:1155. 10.1007/s00264-020-04936-9
Kyprios A. Vitamin C Deficiency Presenting as an Acute Limp in Childhood. Cureus. 2020;12:e9182. 10.7759/cureus.9182
Ripani U, Manzarbeitia-Arroba P, Guijarro-Leo S, Urrutia-Graña J, De Masi-De Luca A. Vitamin C May Help to Reduce the Knee's Arthritic Symptoms. Outcomes Assessment of Nutriceutical Therapy. Med Arch. 2019;73:173. 10.5455/medarh.2019.73.173-177
López-Vidriero E, Olivé-Vilas R, López-Capapé D, Varela-Sende L, López-Vidriero R, et al. Efficacy and Tolerability of Progen, a Nutritional Supplement Based on Innovative Plasma Proteins, in ACL Reconstruction: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial. Orthop J Sports Med. 2019;7:2325967119827237. 10.1177/2325967119827237
Gonzalez MJ, Miranda-Massari JR, Berdiel MJ, Duconge J, Rodríguez-López JL, et al. High Dose Intraveneous Vitamin C and Chikungunya Fever: A Case Report. J Orthomol Med. 2014;29:154.
Noordin S, Baloch N, Salat MS, Rashid Memon A, Ahmad T. Skeletal manifestations of scurvy: a case report from dubai. Case Rep Orthop. 2012;2012:624628. 10.1155/2012/624628