Calcification is one of the most common joint disorders and is often associated with old age. Calcification occurs as a result of the wear and damage of the cartilage covering the joint surfaces over time. This condition can restrict joint movements, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Calcification is usually seen in the knees, hips, hands, shoulders and waist areas, but it can also occur in other parts of the body. The aging process, genetic factors, overuse, trauma, obesity and some metabolic diseases can increase the risk of osteoarthritis. Calcification can affect activities of daily living and reduce functionality and mobility.
What is calcification?
Calcification is a joint disorder that occurs as a result of the wear and damage of the articular cartilage over time. The cartilage tissue covering the joint surfaces facilitates joint movements by reducing friction. However, factors such as aging, genetic factors, overuse, trauma and some metabolic diseases can lead to deterioration in cartilage.
When the cartilage weakens and thins, the joint surfaces begin to rub against each other, causing symptoms such as pain, swelling, stiffness and limitation of movement. Although calcification is usually seen in the knees, hips, hands, shoulders and waist areas, it can also affect other parts of the body. Calcification is a condition that can affect quality of life, but it is possible to relieve symptoms and improve joint function with treatment options and lifestyle changes.
What causes calcification?
Calcification is a condition that occurs as a result of a combination of various factors. Here are the main causes of calcification:
- Aging: With the aging process, articular cartilage naturally wears and thins. As the cartilage tissue loses its ability to regenerate, the risk of calcification increases.
- Genetic Factors: In some people, the tendency to calcification can be genetically transmitted. Individuals with a family history of osteoarthritis may be at higher risk of developing osteoarthritis.
- Overuse: If certain joints or joint groups are constantly subjected to repetitive movements, excessive pressure can occur on the cartilage tissue. This can lead to calcification over time. For example, it can be seen frequently in athletes or people who do heavy physical work.
- Trauma: A serious trauma or injury to a joint area can lead to cartilage damage and the development of calcification. Especially joint fractures can make it difficult for the cartilage tissue in the joint to heal.
- Metabolic Diseases: Some metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, gout can cause inflammation in the body and weaken the joint tissues. This can increase the risk of calcification.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes in menopausal women can increase the risk of osteoarthritis. The decrease in the level of estrogen hormone can have negative effects on articular cartilage.
Calcification is a condition that occurs as a result of the combination of multiple factors and the effect of individual factors may vary from person to person. However, the aging process and genetic predisposition are the most common causes of osteoarthritis.
What causes calcification in bones?
Calcification of bones usually occurs as a result of wear and damage on articular cartilage. Cartilage acts as a flexible and slippery tissue that reduces friction between bones. However, factors such as aging, overuse, trauma or metabolic diseases can cause changes in cartilage tissue.
Cartilage wears out, thins and deteriorates over time. In this case, the bones lose their protective layer and come into direct contact with each other. While calcification occurs in the bones, the body deposits calcium on the surface of the bones to compensate for this situation. This leads to hardening and deformation of the bones. As a result, joint movements are limited, pain, swelling and stiffness are felt. Calcification in bones is an important condition that affects joint health and is a problem that needs to be treated.
What are the symptoms of calcification?
Calcification usually manifests itself with symptoms that occur in the joint areas. Here are the common symptoms of arthritis:
- Pain: Calcification can cause pain in the joint areas. The pain usually increases with movement or pressure on the joint. Pain can be felt, especially in the morning or after being inactive for a long time.
- Stiffness: Calcification can manifest itself with a feeling of stiffness in the joint area. Joint stiffness may be felt at the beginning of joint movements or after long periods of inactivity.
- Swelling: Calcification can lead to swelling in the joint area. Swelling may occur due to fluid accumulation on the joint or due to joint inflammation.
- Restriction of movement: As calcification progresses, limitation in joint movements may be experienced. The range of motion of the joint is reduced due to cartilage damage and bone deformation in the joint.
- Sounds: Cracking or cartilage rubbing sounds may be heard in the joint areas during calcification. These sounds can be a sign of cartilage damage and bones rubbing against each other.
Symptoms can vary from person to person, and calcification can manifest itself with different symptoms in different joint areas. It is especially common in the knees, hips, hands, shoulders and waist areas. If you are experiencing symptoms of osteoarthritis, it is important to talk to a healthcare professional and evaluate appropriate treatment options.
What are the symptoms of calcification in the knee?
Calcification of the knee is a condition that usually occurs due to age and affects the knee joint. Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis may include:
- Knee pain: A feeling of pain in the knee may occur due to calcification. The pain is usually concentrated on the inside or outside of the knee and may increase with movement or weight bearing. In addition, pain may be felt after activities such as going up and down stairs or sitting for a long time.
- Stiffness and limitation of movement: As knee calcification progresses, a feeling of stiffness and limitation of movement may occur in the knee. Restriction and stiffness may be felt when the knee joint is first moved or after a long period of inactivity.
- Swelling: Calcification can cause swelling around the knee joint. Swelling may be felt in the knee due to fluid accumulation in the joint or joint inflammation.
- Sounds: Cracking or rubbing sounds may be heard when the knee joint is moved during calcification. These sounds are a sign of cartilage damage and bones rubbing against each other.
- Deformity of the knee: In case of progressive calcification, the knee joint may be deformed. Knee deformity may present with symptoms such as curvature of the legs or inward or outward sliding of the knees.
People who experience symptoms of osteoarthritis in the knee may experience difficulties in daily activities and affect their quality of life. For this reason, it is important for people with arthritis symptoms to consult a healthcare professional and evaluate the correct diagnosis and treatment options.
What causes neck calcification?
Neck osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that occurs with the aging process of the neck spine or other factors. Neck calcification occurs as a result of wear and degeneration of the discs and joints between the vertebrae in the neck spine over time. In this case, the flexibility of the neck spine decreases and its mobility is limited. Symptoms of neck arthritis may include: neck pain, stiffness and limited range of motion, headache, shoulder and arm pain, muscle weakness or numbness.
Neck arthritis usually progresses with age, but factors such as trauma, stress, genetic factors and incorrect posture may also play a role. Treatment of neck arthritis includes management strategies to alleviate symptoms. These include pain relievers, physical therapy, exercises, neck support devices, and lifestyle changes. The treatment plan is determined by the severity of symptoms, the patient’s lifestyle, and personal preferences.
What is good against calcification?
Because calcification is a degenerative condition, it cannot be cured completely. However, some measures can be taken to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Here are some methods that can help against calcification:
- Exercise: Regular exercise can help relieve arthritis symptoms. It strengthens muscles, increases joint flexibility and maintains mobility. Activities such as low-impact aerobic exercises, water therapy, yoga and stretching exercises may be recommended.
- Weight control: Excess weight can increase joint load and exacerbate osteoarthritis symptoms. Maintaining a healthy weight can provide relief by reducing joint stress.
- Heat and cold therapy: Heat and cold applications can relieve calcification symptoms. Heat therapy, such as hot water bottles, warm showers, or applications of hot towels, can relax the muscles, while ice packs or cold packs can reduce pain and inflammation.
- Medications: Pain relievers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroid injections prescribed by your doctor can control the symptoms of arthritis. However, you should consult your doctor about the use of medication.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy sessions with a physiotherapist can increase joint mobility, strengthen muscles and reduce pain. The physiotherapist can develop special exercise programs and treatment methods for you.
- Supplementary treatments: Some supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, contain ingredients that are thought to relieve arthritis symptoms. However, there is no conclusive evidence about the effectiveness of these supplements. It is important to consult your doctor before use.