MD medical collagen treatment in detail - article by Dr. Dóra Mihola rheumatologist
Author Dr. Dóra Mihola | 2018.10.29.
Collagen is a naturally occurring type of fibre in connective tissues, which plays an important role in the formation of intercellular space, the elasticity of bones and the building of cartilage tissue. It is found in varying proportions in different connective tissue formulations, e.g. in tendon 97%. The collagen pool is constantly changing, reorganising in response to changes in load (e.g. changes in body weight). If the connective tissue is damaged, regenerative mechanisms are triggered. Collagen treatment can help to increase the body's own collagen production and stimulate these self-healing processes.
What are collagen injections good for?
A renowned Italian professor has determined that collagen treatment is most useful in relieving pain caused by abnormalities in the bone-joint-joint-joint system. In an international survey, 15-20% of the population experienced such complaints.
What exactly does this mean? It refers to the musculoskeletal, rheumatological complaint we often cannot pinpoint the cause of pain to a single problem: wear and tear of the articular cartilage, loosening or degeneration of the joint capsule, ligaments, muscle strain, inflammation of the tendon attachment, nerve damage and many other things can all play a role. While hyaluronic acid, which is now more widely used, is mainly beneficial for cartilage regeneration, collagen is beneficial for many more tissue types. Unlike traditional painkillers, which usually only relieve or eliminate symptoms, collagen induces the repair of damaged tissue. Its effects are slower to develop, but are longer lasting and can persist for many months.
Whether it's shoulder, hip, knee or other joint pain, neck, back or waist pain, chronic sciatica, tendonitis (tennis elbow or Achilles pain), collagen treatment promises to relieve pain.
How is collagen treatment done?
During the collagen injection course, 5 to 6 injections are recommended, initially twice a week, then once a week, but this is flexible. Injected under the skin at several points in the area to be treated, it is necessary to distribute usually 2 ampoules of collagen at a time, one containing the appropriate collagen for the region and the other containing excipients (vitamins, plant extracts) selected according to the type of problem. Between 10 and 12 ampoules are therefore used during the course of the treatment. After the injection, no restrictions of any kind should be expected. It has been observed that the most commonly complained side effect, headache, can be prevented by drinking plenty of fluids.
What are the risks of treatment?
As it is a natural substance, no significant side effects are expected. It has the advantage of can be used with long-term anticoagulation, or when the most common steroid injection is a topical injection that should be avoided because of other internal medical conditions (diabetes, marked hypertension). It is not considered doping and can even be used by athletes.
Medical collagen treatment is recommended for those who prefer natural solutions that target the cause of the complaint. After the rheumatological examination of the patient with a musculoskeletal complaint, the specialist can give an opinion on what to expect from the treatment in the specific case. When used in the right amounts, the majority of patients experience a reduction in pain and an improvement in mobility.
We can also help with your complaint! Welcome to the rheumatology clinic of the Budapest Musculoskeletal Private Clinic! Book an appointment for a private consultation with Dr. Dóra Mihola Mihola, specialist rheumatologist!
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