Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition caused by the wear and deterioration of cartilage tissue in the joints over time. This condition usually manifests itself with pain, joint stiffness and limitation of movement and can seriously affect individuals' daily life activities. Romatem Hospital aims to improve the quality of life of its patients with the comprehensive physical therapy and rehabilitation methods it offers in the treatment of joint arthritis.

What is Joint Calcification?

Osteoarthritis is a joint disease caused by the wear and thinning of the cartilage tissue in the joints over time. In a healthy joint, cartilage tissue acts as a cushion between the bones and prevents friction. However, as the cartilage wears away, the bones begin to rub against each other, causing pain, inflammation and decreased joint mobility.

Osteoarthritis is usually seen in the knee, hip, shoulder and hand joints. Factors such as aging, genetic predisposition, overweight and joint injuries can accelerate the development of this condition.

Causes of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis can occur for different reasons. The most common causes are:

1. Aging With advancing age, articular cartilage becomes thinner and loses its elasticity.
2. Genetic Factors: Individuals with a family history of osteoarthritis have a higher risk of developing the condition.
3. Excess Weight: Excess weight places undue stress on the joints, leading to more rapid wear of cartilage tissue.
4. Repetitive Movements: Repetitive movements can lead to wear and tear on the joints.
5. Trauma and Injuries: Injuries to the joint can cause damage to the cartilage.
6. Rheumatic Diseases: Some rheumatic diseases can adversely affect articular cartilage.

Symptoms of joint arthritis

Osteoarthritis is usually a slowly progressive disease and symptoms worsen over time. The most common symptoms are:

1. Pain: Persistent pain in the joints or pain that increases with movement.
2. Stiffness A feeling of stiffness in the joint, especially in the morning or after long periods of inactivity.
3. Swelling and tenderness: Swelling of the joint and tenderness to touch.
4. Weakness: Muscle weakness and weakening of the supporting tissues around the joint.
5. Restricted Movement: Reduced range of motion in the joints and difficulty with daily activities.

What happens if arthritis is not treated?

Untreated arthritis can lead to more serious health problems over time:

1. Chronic Pain Persistent pain reduces quality of life.
2. Reduced Mobility: Mobility may be completely lost due to joint stiffness and pain.
3. Muscle Weakness: Weakening of the muscles that support the joint increases the pressure on the joints.
4. Joint Deformities: Over time, structural deterioration and deformities may occur in the joints.

Joint Calcification Treatment Methods

It offers a physical therapy and rehabilitation-oriented approach to the treatment of osteoarthritis. The main methods used are:

1. Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation:
   • Flexibility Exercises: Increase joint range of motion.
   • Muscle Strengthening Exercises: Provides support by strengthening the muscles around the joint.
   • Balance and Coordination Exercises: These exercises aim to enhance joint stability.
2. Manual Therapy:
   Pain and tension are reduced by applying special techniques to the muscles and tissues surrounding the joints.
3. Hot and Cold Applications:
   • Hot Therapies: Relaxes muscles and increases blood circulation.
   • Cold Compress: Reduces swelling and inflammation.
4. Electrotherapy:
   It relieves pain by stimulating the muscles and improves joint function.
5. Joint Injections:
   • Corticosteroid Injections: Reduces intra-articular inflammation in severe pain.
   • Hyaluronic Acid Injections: Improves joint mobility and supports cartilage tissue.

Advantages of joint arthritis treatment

The applied treatment methods provide many advantages in solving the problem of arthritis:

1. Pain Alleviation: Pain is rapidly brought under control through effective treatment methods.
2. Enhancing Mobility: The range of motion of the joints is improved through physical therapy and exercises.
3. Long Term Solutions: Permanent improvement is achieved with exercise programs and lifestyle recommendations given during the treatment process.
4. Personalized Approach: Individual treatment plans are prepared according to the needs of each patient.