What is good for arthritis? How to Treat Knee Calcification?

Osteoarthritis refers to a degenerative condition in the joints. This condition, which is generally associated with aging, occurs as a result of the wear and loss of joint cartilage over time. Arthritis can often be seen in different parts of the body, such as the knees, hips, hands and spine. Many factors such as advancing age, genetic factors, obesity, joint injuries and general joint health can increase the risk of arthritis.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a condition that affects joint health and usually occurs with age. When these symptoms are noticed in the early stages of arthritis, they can help make the treatment more effective. Symptoms of arthritis include:

• Joint Pain and Stiffness: One of the most common symptoms of arthritis is joint pain. It may occur especially during joint movement or some time after the movement. At the same time, a feeling of stiffness or stiffness in the joint is also frequently observed.
• Morning Stiffness: Feeling of stiffness in the joint area is common in the morning, especially when waking up from sleep.
• Limitation of Movement: As arthritis progresses, limitation of joint movements may occur. This limitation is especially evident in large joints such as knees and hips.
• Joint Swelling: Arthritis can cause fluid accumulation around the joint. This may manifest itself as joint swelling. Swelling is often accompanied by pain.
• Crunching and Clicking Noises: Arthritis can increase friction on joint surfaces due to cartilage erosion in the joint. This may occur as crackling or clicking noises.
• Weakness: As arthritis progresses, it may affect the muscles around the joint and a feeling of weakness may occur.

What are the Causes of Knee Calcification?

Many factors can cause wear and degeneration in the knees, which is the main cause of knee arthritis. These reasons are:

• Cartilage Deterioration: The main cause of knee arthritis is the deterioration of cartilage tissue in the joints. Cartilage covers the joint surfaces, reducing friction between bones. But over time, cartilage can wear away and become thinner.
• Aging: Knee arthritis occurs especially with age. Wear and degeneration of joint cartilage may occur more frequently during the aging process. This situation is associated with a decrease in the repair processes of cartilage.
• Genetic Factors: People with a family history of arthritis may be considered to have a higher risk of knee arthritis.
• Obesity: Being overweight can increase the risk of arthritis by increasing the load on the knee joints. Because obesity can increase extra stress and pressure on joint cartilage.
• Gender: The risk of knee arthritis is generally higher in women than in men. It is thought that hormonal factors affect this situation.
• Joint Injuries: Traumatic injuries to the knee (especially as a result of sports activities or accidents) can damage the joint cartilage and trigger arthritis in the knee.

What is good for arthritis?

Calcification is a condition that occurs as a result of wear of joint cartilage. But lifestyle changes and certain treatments can help relieve arthritis symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. First of all, doing low-impact aerobic exercises and strengthening movements with doctor’s approval can support joint health. These exercises can relieve symptoms of arthritis by increasing and strengthening joint mobility. At the same time, maintaining weight control can contribute to alleviating symptoms by reducing the burden on arthritis. When necessary, alternative treatment methods are available under the supervision of a doctor. Acupuncture and physiotherapy can be effective in reducing pain and increasing joint mobility.

What is Good for Knee Calcification?

Painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy are among the frequently used methods in the treatment of knee arthritis. At the same time, weight control, exercise programs and measures to protect the joint are also important parts of the treatment plan. In later cases, surgical options may also be considered.

How is arthritis treated?

There is no specific treatment for osteoarthritis. The treatment process mostly proceeds by managing the symptoms. Treatment options include:

• Drug Treatment: The drugs prescribed for the treatment of arthritis are selected specifically for the symptoms experienced by the patient. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications are often prescribed to relieve symptoms caused by arthritis.
• Supporting products: Calcification is a condition that may occur due to joint inflammation. For this reason, it may be appropriate to use anti-inflammatory foods and supplements under the supervision of a doctor. At the same time, collagen supplements may be recommended by the doctor when deemed necessary to increase the levels of collagen in the structure of the joints.
• Physical Therapy and Exercise: Physical therapy includes special exercise programs determined by experts. It is especially important to strengthen the muscles to support the affected joint and increase mobility to provide flexibility.
• PRP and Stem Cell Therapy: Current approaches used in the treatment of arthritis can also be effective in relieving pain and eliminating discomfort. In particular, PRP (platelet rich plasma) obtained from the person’s own blood can be injected into the problematic joint to promote tissue healing. At the same time, with stem cell therapy, self-repair may be possible by injecting the person’s own stem cells into the damaged tissue. The main aim of both treatment options is to stimulate the cells and initiate the repair process.
• Surgical Intervention: In cases of severe osteoarthritis, surgical options may be considered. Procedures such as joint replacement surgery or articular cartilage transplantation may be performed to relieve pain and restore joint function. However, surgery is usually considered after other treatment options have been tried and failed.

Knee Arthritis Exercises

Knee arthritis exercises should be performed under the supervision of a healthcare professional or in accordance with his recommendations. These professionals include orthopedic physicians, physical therapists, and physiotherapists. These experts can evaluate the person’s specific situation and create an appropriate and effective exercise plan. Exercises for knee arthritis include:

• Knee Stretching Exercises: An important way to deal with knee arthritis is to do knee stretching exercises regularly. These exercises are designed to increase flexibility and maintain range of motion in the knee joints. Lying on your back, bending one leg and pulling it to the chest can increase flexibility in the knee joints. Likewise, lying on your back and rotating your legs to the sides can help reduce stiffness in the knee joints.
• Knee Strengthening Exercises: An important step in the treatment of knee arthritis is to strengthen the muscles around the knee. Exercises that strengthen these muscles can relieve pain by supporting the knee joints. Quad strengthening and calf raises can strengthen the muscles that support the knee joints.
• Aerobic Exercises: Aerobic exercises are a generally recommended treatment option for knee arthritis patients. These exercises can strengthen knee joints as well as improve overall body conditioning. Regular walking can minimize stress while keeping the knees moving, and joint-friendly activities such as swimming may also be recommended.
• Use of Exercise Ball: Exercise ball is an effective tool that can be used in the treatment of knee arthritis. Squatting against a wall can be done using an exercise ball and can help strengthen knee joints. At the same time, lying on your back and lifting one leg up can also strengthen the quads and increase the supportive role of the exercise ball.

How to Prevent Calcification?

The risk of arthritis can be reduced with certain lifestyle changes and preventive measures. Things that can be done to prevent arthritis are:

• Healthy and Balanced Nutrition: Nutrition plays an important role in preventing arthritis. Fish, green leafy vegetables, fruits and dairy products are foods that contain needed nutrients such as antioxidants, omega-3 and calcium.
• An Active Lifestyle: Regular exercise is among the most important factors in supporting joint health. Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming and cycling can reduce joint stress.
• Healthy Weight Control: Excess weight can put extra pressure on the knees, increasing the risk of arthritis. Therefore, it is important to adopt healthy eating habits to maintain a healthy weight.
• Adequate Water Consumption: Water supports circulation in the body and helps nourish joint cartilage. Drinking enough water is an effective measure to protect joint health.

Regular health checks help monitor risk factors for arthritis or other joint problems. Factors such as family history, age, gender and previous joint injuries may affect this risk. People who are at risk of arthritis or have symptoms can make an appointment and have the necessary examinations.