Osteoarthritis is an inevitable degenerative process in the elderly.
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(Photo: TTO) |
Unlike inflammatory joint diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis, polyarthritis…), osteoarthritis is a condition characterized by the aging of cells and tissues in and around the joints.
This condition is commonly observed in joints such as the lumbar spine, cervical spine, knee joints, ankle joints, and hip joints… Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis include:
Pain in the knee joint (which may occur on both sides), increased pain during movement, going up and down stairs, or squatting…
Limited mobility, possible creaking sounds in the joint, occasional swelling, and in chronic cases, muscle atrophy in the front thigh due to lack of movement.
Regarding treatment: Currently, there is no medication that can cure osteoarthritis; the focus is primarily on eliminating the causes that accelerate the degenerative process, alleviating pain, and reducing inflammation as needed to maintain joint function. Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition, so the use of medication must be approached with caution. Treatment should always be conducted under the supervision of a specialist in orthopedics who will provide guidance and monitoring. It is crucial not to self-medicate based on unsolicited advice.
