Osteoarthritis, popularly known as 'calcification', occurs as a result of damage over time to the cartilage structures that form the joints in our skeletal system.
Stating that calcification is frequently seen in the joints in the knee, hip, hand and spine in the body.
Acıbadem Eskişehir Hospital Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist Dr.
Recep Kurnaz emphasizes that although the disease is irreversible, it can be alleviated if it is detected early.
Normally, cartilage is a slippery and smooth tissue with low friction. Osteoarthritis (calcification) causes the cartilage on the joint surfaces to gradually deteriorate and become rough. Leading an active life, maintaining the ideal weight and other treatments
help in slowing down the progression of the disease, reducing pain and increasing joint functions.
The symptoms are arthritis, pain in the joints and
which usually develop slowly and worsen over time. It can cause tenderness, stiffness, loss of flexibility, crackling sounds and bone protrusions
. Dr. said that people complain about knee pain, especially when going up and down stairs and squatting. Recep Kurnaz advises that if you have persistent joint pain or stiffness, consult an orthopedic specialist without delay.
It is more common in women
The risk of developing the disease increases with the age of 50. Dr.
Recep Kurnaz said, “There is a possibility of osteoarthritis in some people due to heredity and in some people due to congenital deformities. "Although its cause is unknown, it is more common in women."Dr. Recep Kurnaz adds that increasing body weight also contributes to osteoarthritis in various ways by creating stress on weight-bearing joints such as hips and knees. Osteoarthritis may develop after doing sports or following trauma to the joint due to any accident in the past, or in professions that put pressure on a joint.
Exercise and weight control are required
Although osteoarthritis is a degenerative health problem that worsens over time, its symptoms can be reduced by effective changes in lifestyle, treatments, medications and surgical procedures. It can be improved with
. Explaining that the two most important things in the treatment of osteoarthritis are exercise and being at a healthy
weight, Dr. Recep Kurnaz notes that some anti-inflammatory and chronic
pain medications can reduce discomfort-related complaints. Regular light activities such as swimming or walking, as well as physical therapy protocols
that include exercises to strengthen the muscles around the joint, can also be effective in reducing pain and increasing joint movements.
Surgical procedure may be used
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If all these do not help, the latest injection and surgical methods can be preferred. Dr. Recep Kurnaz continues by saying that 'corticosteroid
injections' can be given 3-4 times a year to reduce joint pain: "If administered in excessive doses, the drug may worsen joint damage. Hyaluronic acid has a pain-relieving effect on the knee, as it is similar to a component found in
normal joint fluid. These injections do not reverse cartilage damage. However,
it contributes to slowing down the damage that will occur later.”
Apart from these, another treatment method is joint replacement
surgery, also known as prosthesis. In these surgeries, the damaged cartilage is removed with neat incisions and replaced with implants specially produced to fit the body. In this way, people can get rid of joint
pain and carry out their daily activities easily.
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