Excessive Weight Causes Joint Calcification
Complaints such as inability to climb stairs or knee pain, which we are accustomed to hear frequently, especially from individuals over middle age and overweight, may actually be symptoms of a very important discomfort. Joint calcification, which significantly reduces the quality of life by reducing the mobility of the person, threatens especially obese individuals.
Attention after the age of 40!
Joint calcification, in other words "osteoarthritis", is one of the most common joint diseases. This discomfort, which is the most common cause of knee and hip pain, can cause degradation, wear, thinning and sometimes cartilage loss of the articular cartilage. In addition, as a result of changes in the bone tissue under the articular cartilage, bone growth and joint margins (osteophytes) develop. As a result, osteoarthritis is a disease that disrupts the normal structure of the joints, causing limitation in movements and pain. Although this disease affects everyone, young or old, in the same way, it is more common in active individuals over the age of 40.
It is more common in women
Osteoarthritis, especially in the knee and hand joints, is more common in women.
Osteoarthritis usually starts after the age of 45. It is most common to start in the 50s and 60s. It is rare before the age of 40. Osteoarthritis is not an inherited disease, but some types of osteoarthritis are inherited.
Treatment of joint calcification due to obesity is very difficult
In many people, obesity is the most important cause of joint calcification, especially in the knee and hip. Joint overload due to obesity causes joint calcification to develop rapidly and progress slowly. These patients are very difficult to treat.
Joint injuries may cause joint calcification in the future
A trauma or major surgery of the joint can lead to osteoarthritis development years later. Some congenital joint diseases can also lead to the development of osteoarthritis in older ages. In addition, some professions cause some joints to be used more and these joints are worn prematurely.
In advanced patients, the intensity of the pain constantly increases
The most common symptoms are joint pain and stiffness. Pain increases after movement and towards the evening. Joint stiffness passes in a few minutes with rest. In advanced patients, the pain can become very severe and persistent. In patients with this condition, the intensity of the pain does not decrease with rest or at night. For example, it may be difficult for a knee arthritis patient to climb up and down stairs, sit up and squat. The joint cannot move freely and normally as before. Swelling in the joint, osteophytes that develop in the bone, a rheumatic disease that manifests itself with pain and limited movement in the joint, or an increase in intra-articular fluid may cause the joint to appear swollen. In this case, the joint is sensitive and pain is felt when touched. It may be necessary to take an x-ray to diagnose the disease. Advanced tests such as some blood tests, MRI or tomography may be required to determine the causes.
Exercising regularly and paying attention to excess weight play an important role in treatment.
The main purposes of joint calcification treatment are to relieve pain, to correct the limitation of movement, to help daily life activities to be carried out smoothly and to prevent the progression of the disease. There is no treatment that can completely cure this condition. It is not possible to renew the worn cartilage tissue. It is very beneficial to reduce the body weight to the ideal weight, reduce the load on the add with regular exercises and increase the muscle strength. It is very important to distribute the daily work and recommended exercises in a balanced way throughout the day. For joint pain, simple painkillers, some early-stage medications and intra-articular injections can be applied. When appropriate, hot or cold applications also provide pain relief.