Can You Regrow Collagen In The Knee?
The knee joint is encapsulated within a capsule, which contains a fluid which acts as a lubricant and allows the knee joint to move freely without any resistance. The ends of the bones are covered with cartilage, which prevents the bones from rubbing against each other.
A vital component of this cartilage is a protein called collagen.1 As an individual ages and there is gradual wear and tear of the knee, joint osteoarthritis of the knee develops. An osteoarthritis signals that the cartilage has worn down. While the normal treatment for osteoarthritis consists of NSAIDs, pain medications and in severe cases replacement surgery; however, a little known is the fact that it is possible to regenerate the cartilage by increasing collagen growth in the body. This is usually done by increasing amounts of vitamins, supplements, and other therapies.
Following are some of the ways to regrow collagen in the knees:
Vitamin B3: This is quite an essential nutrient for increasing collagen in the knee joint. A prescription medication called niacinamide is also available, but this medication is reserved only for those individuals who do not have any liver dysfunction. This medication is quite useful in improving the collagen in the knee joint.
Amino Acids: This is yet another good source through which collagen can be increased in the knee joint. Amino Acids form the building blocks for all proteins in the body collagen is one of them. Individuals can consult with their physician and obtain a prescription of an amino acid supplement and take it daily to help re-grow collagen in the knee joint.
Vitamin C: This can help to re-grow collagen in the knee joint. Vitamin C plays an important role in the formation of collagen and hence supplementing the body with vitamin C increases the likelihood of re-growing collagen in the knee joint.
Vitamin E: Consumption of vitamin E also helps in re-growth of collagen in the knee joint. Vitamin E not only improves cartilage building, but also helps promote growth of collagen. A dose of 15 mg a day is good enough for re-growth of collagen in the knee joint.
Prolotherapy: This is quite a novel method of re-growing collagen in the knee joint. Prolotherapy involves injection of a chemical in the knee joint, which promotes collagen growth. However, this mode of treatment is still in the investigational stage and not much proof is available as to the success of this therapy in re-growing collagen in the knee joint.
Vitamin B12: This is yet another supplement which in realty may not stimulate growth of collagen, but does stimulate stem cell growth, which is necessary for good bone health and in turn improves the overall strength of the joint. A 2.5 mcg of vitamin B12 a day is good enough for improving joint strength in the knees.
In conclusion, the knee cartilage contains an important protein called collagen which is necessary for good cartilage and overall joint strength. Over time as an individual grows old with natural wear and tear of the joint the cartilage weakens and there is less of the collagen present in the cartilage. However, there are quite a few supplements as mentioned above that when taken under the supervision of the physician may help re-grow collagen in the knee joints.
Also Read:
- Knee Dislocation or Dislocated Knee: Causes, Classification, Symptoms
- Knee Contusion (Bruised Knee): Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
- Knee Sprain: Classifications, Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors
- What is Knee Pain and Home Remedies for Knee Pain!
- Knee Locking: What Causes Locked Knee and How is it Treated?
- Home Remedies For Arthritis Pain In The Knees
