Does Collagen Help Reduce Joint Pain and Improve Mobility?

Collagen & Joint Health

So does collagen help with joint pain? The short answer to this question is a simple, yes. The reason that collagen can be effective in managing joint pain is because it can help reduce inflammation.

Inflammation occurs when the body signals the brain to respond to injuries or infections. So when the cartilage in your joints have become damaged or otherwise compromised, you may experience inflammation as a response.

Inflammation is typically what causes joint pain. So in essence, since collagen can help reduce inflammation in the joints, it can also reduce joint pain. And since collagen contributes to the health of connective tissues, it is considered important to normal joint function.

The problem is that our bodies naturally start to slow the production of natural collagen which is why many people experience joint pain as they get older. This is why many people use collagen for joint pain.

The Science Behind Collagen and Joint Health

Now, is there any scientific validity for using collagen for joint pain relief? Actually, there have been lots of studies on collagen as it affects joint health and joint pain. The National Institutes of Health cite one such study in a sweeping review of such clinical trials:

Two randomized double-blind placebo-controlled studies reported improvements in activity-related joint pain after 6 months of administration of a hydrolyzed collagen.

There is also scientific evidence to validate the use of collagen to treat pain in specific joints like the knee. This is one of the reasons many healthcare practitioners use collagen for knee repair treatment.

But what about collagen supplementation for conditions like osteoarthritis? There have been scientific studies that suggest that collagen can also be helpful for the management of pain caused by osteoarthritis as we see in the following Pubmed report quote:

The results of this meta-analysis showed that collagen is effective in improving OA (osteoarthritis) symptoms by the decrease of both total WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) index and VAS (Visual Analog Scale) score.

Types of Collagen for Joint Health

You may have heard of the different types of collagen but aren’t sure what their differences are. As a result, you have probably asked yourself what is the best collagen for arthritis pain. In the following list, we will break down some of the most common types of collagen and how they can be used:

• Type I Collagen - Type I collagen is the type that is produced in most abundance in the body. It is naturally used to maintain the structural integrity of connective tissues and as a supplement, can be very helpful in wound-healing.
• Type II Collagen - Type II collagen is used by the body to produce elastin in the cartilage of joints. Therefore, it is important for maintaining healthy flexion.
• Type III Collagen - Type III collagen is found naturally in muscles. It is therefore considered important for building healthy muscle tissue and for muscle growth.
• Type IV Collagen - Type IV collagen is prevalent in human skin. It is needed to link normal cells with basement membranes. It is therefore important for the growth of healthy cells and their mobility.
• Type V - Type V collagen is present in human eyes, hair, and skin. This is why it is often useful for supporting eye health.

How to Use Collagen Supplements for Joint Pain

The best way to use collagen supplements for joint pain is to consult with a healthcare practitioner who is familiar with your medical history. That way, you can identify which type of collagen would be best for your particular needs.

David Hill, Aesthetic and Plastic surgeon

According to David Hill, an aesthetic and plastic surgeon "Results can typically be noticed after consistent use for 8 to 12 weeks, although this timeframe can vary from person to person based on factors like severity of joint issues and overall health.

For example, if you are looking for the best collagen joint pain, your doctor may recommend type I, II or hydrolyzed collagen. If you want collagen for eye health, you might be recommended type V collagen in various forms.

You should also do your own due diligence when it comes to looking for collagen supplements. Only choose high-quality collagen supplements that are devoid of filler ingredients and harmful substances like steroids and stimulants.

Compare multiple collagen supplements to see which ones align closely with your health and wellness goals. And you should only take collagen supplements as directed by the manufacturer or your healthcare practitioner.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

A high-quality collagen supplement will not be likely to cause serious side effects because for the most part, collagen is considered a well-tolerated substance in supplement form.

However, some people may be sensitive to the effects of collagen. In these cases, the user may experience mild heartburn or constipation. Other side effects may include mild dizziness or trouble sleeping.