Why Do Your Knees Ache? The Hidden Cause & How Collagen Can Help
That Nagging Knee Ache—Is It Just Age, Wear-and-Tear, or Something More?
If you’re over 35 and feeling knee discomfort, you’re not alone. Many active women experience knee stiffness, aches after workouts, or even chronic discomfort that affects daily movement.
The good news? Collagen—the very protein that keeps your skin firm and youthful—also plays a crucial role in maintaining strong, pain-free joints.
Let’s look at what causes knee pain and how the right type of collagen can help you move with confidence.
What Causes Knee Pain?
Your knees absorb shock, support your weight, and enable movement—so when they start to ache, the underlying cause is often related to collagen depletion. Here’s why:
1. Cartilage Breakdown (Osteoarthritis)
Cartilage acts as a protective cushion between your joints. But with age, collagen production declines, leading to stiffness, discomfort, and reduced flexibility, especially when climbing stairs or after exercise.
2. Weak Tendons & Ligaments
Your tendons (which attach muscles to bones) and ligaments (which hold joints together) rely on Type 3 collagen for strength and elasticity. A lack of collagen can result in knee instability, strain, and increased injury risk.
3. Overuse & Impact Injuries
If you love running, HIIT workouts, or squats, your knees endure repetitive stress. Without proper joint support, this can accelerate wear-and-tear, leading to discomfort and inflammation.
4. Natural Collagen Loss After 40
Collagen production drops by 1% per year after your late 20s, and by 40+, your body struggles to repair cartilage and tendons effectively, leading to knee stiffness and discomfort.
The common thread? Your knees need collagen support.
How Collagen Can Help Relieve Knee Pain
Collagen isn’t just for glowing skin—it’s the primary protein in your cartilage, joints, and tendons. Supplementing with clinically backed collagen peptides can help:
1. Rebuild Cartilage & Improve Joint Cushioning
Proto-col’s Osteo+ (FORTIGEL® Bioactive Peptides, Type 2 Collagen) has been clinically proven to regenerate cartilage, reduce knee pain, and improve mobility.
How?
FORTIGEL® stimulates cartilage cells to produce new collagen, repairing worn-down areas and restoring shock absorption in the knee joint.
Best for: Women experiencing joint discomfort, osteoarthritis, or knee stiffness.
2. Strengthen Tendons & Ligaments to Prevent Injury
Your knee’s stability depends on strong tendons and ligaments. TENDOFORTE® (Type 3 Collagen) found in Proto-col’s Complete Collagen is designed to enhance tendon and ligament resilience—helping prevent injuries and support active movement.
How? TENDOFORTE® reinforces connective tissue, reducing strain on the knee.
Best for: Women who love running, strength training, yoga, or high-impact workouts.
3. Reduce Inflammation & Support Joint Flexibility
Collagen peptides stimulate your body’s natural repair processes, helping to reduce inflammation and stiffness in the knees. Many users report smoother, more comfortable movement within weeks of consistent use.
How? Bioactive collagen peptides trigger natural collagen synthesis, helping lubricate joints and reduce stiffness.
Best for: Women who experience morning stiffness or post-exercise soreness.
Proto-col Product: Osteo+ (for joints) or Complete Collagen (for tendons & muscle support).
Which Proto-col Collagen is Best for Knee Health?
To aid in protection and strengthen your knees, choose the right type of collagen based on your needs:
|
Your Goal |
Best Collagen Type |
Recommended Proto-col Product |
|
Reduce knee pain & stiffness |
Type 2 (FORTIGEL®) |
|
|
Strengthen tendons & ligaments |
Type 3 (TENDOFORTE®) |
|
|
Improve flexibility & mobility |
Type 2 & Type 3 |
Each product is clinically formulated for maximum absorption and effectiveness.
How Long Until You Feel the Benefits of Collagen?
4 weeks: Improved flexibility, less stiffness
8 weeks: Noticeable pain reduction, easier movement
12+ weeks: Stronger, more resilient joints & tendons
Knee aches aren’t just a part of getting older—they’re a sign your body needs more collagen support. With the right supplementation, you can repair, rebuild, and move freely again.
Top Strategies to Protect and Improve Knee Health
Strengthen the Muscles Around Your Knees
Strong muscles absorb shock and reduce pressure on the knee joint.
Exercises to consider:
✅ Quadriceps & hamstring strengthening (squats, lunges, leg presses).
✅ Low-impact workouts (cycling, swimming, Pilates).
✅ Balance & stability exercises (single-leg stands, Bosu ball training).
Avoid: High-impact exercises like deep squats or heavy jumping if you have joint pain.
Maintain a Healthy Weight to Reduce Knee Stress
Extra weight increases pressure on the knees, leading to faster cartilage breakdown.
How to manage:
✅ Eat an anti-inflammatory diet (rich in omega-3s, leafy greens, turmeric).
✅ Stay active with joint-friendly exercises like walking & resistance training.
✅ Hydrate well to keep cartilage lubricated.
Here at Proto-col, we also offer a powerful turmeric and ginger product designed to support muscle, joint, and bone health, combat free radical damage, and enhance digestion.
Support Joint Flexibility & Mobility
Stiff joints can increase your risk of injury and pain.
Daily habits to improve flexibility:
✅ Morning stretching routine (yoga, dynamic stretches).
✅ Foam rolling & self-massage to reduce stiffness.
✅ Hydrotherapy & sauna use for improved circulation.
Protect Your Knees from Impact & Injury
Wear-and-tear is inevitable, but smart movement choices can prevent injuries.
Best practices:
✅ Wear supportive footwear with shock absorption.
✅ Warm up & cool down properly before/after workouts.
✅ Use knee supports or braces if you experience instability.
Prioritise Recovery & Listen to Your Body
Overuse can accelerate joint degeneration.
Key recovery practices:
✅ Rest & ice therapy for inflammation relief.
✅ Collagen & magnesium supplementation for muscle recovery.
✅ Regular check-ups with a physiotherapist if you experience chronic pain.
Learn more about collagen by visiting our website, and discover how it can support your joint health. Stay inspired—follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok for updates and expert tips.
Resources:
Zdzieblik, D., et al. (2017). American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Study on FORTIGEL® and cartilage regeneration
Baar, K. (2019). Frontiers in Physiology. Study on TENDOFORTE® and tendon strength
Liu, X., et al. (2022). Journal of Aging Research & Clinical Practice. Collagen hydrolysate for osteoarthritis
Ewald, C. Y. (2020). Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology. Collagen homeostasis and longevity