Osteoarthritis can negatively affect daily activities and quality of life by causing pain, stiffness and limitation of movement in the joints. This disease is often associated with various risk factors such as aging, excess weight, trauma to the joints, repetitive movements, genetic factors and metabolic diseases. However, exactly why osteoarthritis occurs is still not fully understood.
What is osteoarthritis?
When asked what osteoarthritis means, we can roughly call it calcification in the joints. Osteoarthritis is a disease characterized by damage and wear that occurs in the joints over time. This condition occurs as a result of the wear and tear of the joint cartilage over time. As the cartilage wears away, the bone ends begin to rub against each other, causing symptoms such as pain, stiffness and limited movement. Osteoarthritis most commonly affects the following joints:
- knees
- Hips
- hands
- Spine
- Toes
What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis (calcification)?
Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that manifests itself with symptoms such as pain, stiffness, swelling and limitation of movement in the joints. Symptoms can often worsen over time and significantly impact quality of life. Symptoms of osteoarthritis (calcification) are as follows:
- Pain in joints
- stiffness in joints
- limitation of movement
- joint swelling
- Cracking or squeaking sounds coming from the joint
How is osteoarthritis (calcification) treated?
Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease and there is no definitive treatment. However, with treatment, symptoms can be controlled and patients’ quality of life can be improved. The aim of osteoarthritis (calcification) treatment is to reduce pain and inflammation, preserve joint function and range of motion, and improve quality of life. Some methods for treating arthritis include:
- Losing weight may help relieve symptoms by reducing the load on joints.
- Exercising regularly helps maintain the flexibility and strength of joints.
- It is necessary to avoid lifting heavy loads and activities that put excessive stress on the joints.
- Choosing the right shoes can help reduce the load on joints.
- Medications or injections prescribed by your doctor can relieve symptoms and reduce pain and inflammation.
Surgical treatment may be considered in patients who do not respond to other treatment methods:
- Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure performed by inserting a small camera into the joint.
- Osteotomy is the process of cutting and reshaping bones.
- Total joint replacement is the process of replacing the damaged joint with a prosthesis. This procedure is performed in patients with advanced stage osteoarthritis who do not respond to other treatment options.
This information is for informational purposes only. If you have a medical question, it is important to consult your doctor.