What Causes Knee Calcification?

Knee arthritis is one of the most common joint disorders seen in the knee joint and often manifests itself as knee pain. Symptoms such as stiffness and swelling in the knee joint, limitation in knee movements, crunching sound in the knee during movement, deformity in the knee joint or legs may indicate arthritis.

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What is knee arthritis?

Knee arthritis, medically known as osteoarthritis, is a degenerative joint disease caused by the wear and deterioration of articular cartilage. It is one of the largest and most complex joints in the body and arthritis is common in this area. This causes the cartilage to thin and wear away and the bones in the joint to rub against each other. This leads to symptoms such as pain, stiffness, swelling and limitation of movement. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, the progression of knee arthritis can be slowed down and symptoms can be controlled.

What Causes Knee Calcification?

Knee arthritis has various causes and is usually caused by one or more factors. Here are the main causes of knee arthritis:

  1. Aging: As we age, cartilage tissue naturally wears down and becomes thinner. This is the most common cause of arthritis in the knee.
  2. Genetic Factors: Individuals with a family history of osteoarthritis have a higher risk of arthritis. Genetic predisposition can affect the durability of cartilage.
  3. Overweight: Excess weight puts extra pressure on the knee joint. This can cause the cartilage to wear out faster.
  4. Joint Injuries: Previous injuries to the knee, such as a meniscus tear or ligament damage, can increase the risk of arthritis in later years.
  5. Recurrent Stress: Repetitive strenuous movements during sports or work can cause arthritis by putting constant pressure on the knee joint. This is particularly common in athletes and people in certain professions.
  6. Irregular Joint Structure: Irregularities or congenital anomalies in the knee joint can lead to excessive pressure and wear and tear on the joint.
  7. Other Health Problems: Other joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout can also increase the risk of arthritis in the knee.
  8. Hormonel Faktörler: Hormonal changes, especially after menopause in women, can affect the health of cartilage and increase the risk of arthritis.

These factors alone or together can lead to osteoarthritis of the knee. Symptoms usually develop gradually and may worsen over time. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

What are the Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis?

The symptoms of knee osteoarthritis appear gradually over time and can worsen as the cartilage damage progresses. Here are common symptoms of knee arthritis:

  1. Pain: It is the most prominent symptom in the knee. Initially, the pain may be mild and may increase after activity. In later stages, the pain can become constant and can be felt even at rest.
  2. Hardness : There may be a feeling of stiffness in the knee, especially in the morning or after a long period of inactivity. This stiffness usually decreases with movement.
  3. Swelling and tenderness: Swelling around the knee joint and tenderness to the touch may occur.
  4. Crepitation: When the knee joint is moved, a crunching or creaking sound can be heard, especially when bending or straightening.
  5. Movement Restriction: Movements may be limited due to pain and stiffness in the knee. The knee may not bend or unbend completely.
  6. Weakness and Powerlessness: There may be a feeling of weakness and weakness in the knee muscles. This can make daily activities such as walking and climbing stairs difficult.
  7. Deformite: In advanced cases, deformities of the knee joint can occur. This can cause the knee to bend inwards or outwards.
  8. Locking of the Joint :Sometimes the knee joint can suddenly lock and become immobilized. This can occur as a result of loose cartilage fragments getting stuck in the joint.

These symptoms may vary depending on the severity and progression of knee arthritis. Symptoms may be mild in the early stages and may worsen over time. Consulting a doctor when symptoms are recognized can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life through early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment

Medication Therapy

  1. Painkillers:Painkillers such as paracetamol can be used to relieve pain.
  2. Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Medicines such as ibuprofen and naproxen can reduce both pain and inflammation.
  3. Corticosteroid Injections: Corticosteroid injections into the knee joint can temporarily relieve inflammation and pain.
  4. Hyaluronic Acid Injections: These injections into the knee joint can improve mobility and pain by increasing joint fluid.

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

  1. Exercise: In particular, exercises that strengthen the knee muscles and increase joint mobility can relieve pain and improve function.
  2. Physical Therapy : Specialized treatment methods applied by physical therapists can improve joint mobility and reduce pain.
  3. Water Therapy: Exercises that utilize the buoyancy of water can strengthen the muscles without overloading the joint.

Lifestyle Changes

  1. Weight Control:Losing excess weight can reduce the pressure on the knee joint.
  2. Balanced Nutrition: A diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation.
  3. Suitable Shoes: Wearing shoes suitable for foot and knee health can reduce stress on the joint.
  4. Rest and Joint Protection:It is important to avoid activities that strain the knee joint and increase rest periods.

Auxiliary Devices

  1. Knee Supports and Splints:It can be used to stabilize and support the knee joint.
  2. Walker and Walking Stick:It can help to facilitate walking and reduce the load on the knee joint.

Surgical Intervention

  1. Arthroscopic Surgery: Through small incisions, the inside of the joint can be cleaned and repaired.
  2. Osteotomy: The process of cutting and realigning the bones can reduce the pressure on the joint.
  3. Knee Replacement: In severe cases of arthritis, it may be necessary to replace the damaged joint surfaces with a prosthesis.

What is good for knee arthritis?

Some methods and applications that can be good for knee arthritis are as follows:

  1. Exercises: Regular exercises that strengthen the knee muscles and increase joint flexibility can be beneficial for knee arthritis. In particular, low-impact exercises and methods such as water therapy (hydrotherapy) can reduce stress on the joint.
  2. Weight Control: If you are overweight, losing weight can reduce the load on the knee joint and relieve the symptoms of arthritis
  3. Physical Therapy: Physical therapy programs can improve mobility in the knee joint, strengthen the muscles and reduce pain.
  4. Medication Therapy: Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) prescribed by a doctor can help relieve pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis of the knee.
  5. Hyaluronic Acid Injections:: Injections of hyaluronic acid into the knee joint can reduce friction and improve mobility by increasing joint fluid.
  6. Knee Supports and Splints: Specially designed knee braces or splints that support and stabilize the knee joint can protect the joint during movement and reduce pain.
  7. Hot and Cold Treatments: Hot and cold compresses can be used to relieve pain. Hot compresses usually relax the muscles, while cold compresses can reduce inflammation.
  8. Acupuncture and Massage Therapy:For some people, acupuncture or massage therapy can help relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee.
  9. Superficial Laser and Ultrasound Therapy: These treatments can help reduce pain and improve circulation.
  10. Lifestyle Changes: It is important that people with knee arthritis are active, follow a healthy diet, do not smoke and keep in regular contact with their doctor.

Conclusion:

These symptoms may vary depending on the severity and progression of knee arthritis. Symptoms may be mild in the early stages and may worsen over time. Consulting a doctor when symptoms are recognized can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life through early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Picture of Op. Dr. Özgür Oktay Nar

Op. Dr. Özgür Oktay Nar

Op. Dr. Özgür Oktay Nar, specialized in orthopedics and traumatology, is experienced in foot and ankle surgery, sports injuries and minimally invasive surgery. In his private practice, he offers personalized treatment plans to his patients and applies the most up-to-date treatment methods for a healthy and active life.

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