Causes and Symptoms of Limescale Buildup

Osteoarthritis typically manifests in advanced age and appears predominantly in weight-bearing joints and wrists. In osteoarthritis, which presents with increased pain and restricted movement, specialists emphasize that the patient should maintain an ideal weight. The durability of prostheses used in osteoarthritis treatment and effective in improving the patient's quality of life is also affected by excess weight. Üsküdar University NPİSTANBUL Brain Hospital Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Kerem Canbora provided information on osteoarthritis, which predominantly occurs in advanced age, and its treatment.

Pain and Restricted Movement Increase

Defining osteoarthritis as "the narrowing of the joint space seen predominantly in weight-bearing joints and wrists, accompanied by increased pain and restricted movement," Prof. Dr. Kerem Canbora stated: "Not everything is osteoarthritis. Fluid increases and fluid accumulations occurring in weight-bearing joints with certain strains, and reactions that occur reactively cannot be counted as osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the condition of narrowing of the joint space seen predominantly in weight-bearing joints and wrists, accompanied by increased pain and restricted movement. As age progresses, pain occurs with increased joint fluid due to loading and osteoarthritis. Pain and restricted movement increase, resulting in a condition of joint space narrowing."

Osteoarthritis Also Affects Walking Distance

Noting that osteoarthritis comprises different stages, Prof. Dr. Kerem Canbora stated: "Osteoarthritis progressively leads to shortening of walking distance and in advancing stages to situations where the pain it causes does not subside even during rest. The condition of osteoarthritis varies depending on the character of the pain, whether it is burning or stabbing, its continuity, its relation to movement, the patient's age, the patient's occupation, sports level, activity level, previous traumas, and whether the patient has different diseases. The patient's history should be investigated thoroughly. The patient should be allowed to speak and listened to carefully. Good trust should be established between patient and doctor," he said.

Previous Trauma Can Also Be a Cause of Osteoarthritis

Pointing out that the causes of osteoarthritis vary, Prof. Dr. Kerem Canbora stated: "Causes should be investigated according to age. Osteoarthritis findings at an early age can be traced back to previous trauma, childhood diseases, rheumatologic issues, systemic diseases, spinal problems, and various tumoral conditions. The causes vary according to the patient's history."

Excess Weight Places Strain on Joints

Emphasizing that weight-bearing joints are joints that carry the entire body's weight on a very small surface area, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Kerem Canbora stated: "In cases of excess weight, greater load-bearing occurs. In overweight, obese, and severely obese patients, activity level and occupational activities are important. Activity level is a factor that accelerates joint wear. In patients who cannot lose weight, prosthesis durability may be lower."