Osteoarthritis treatment in Turkey, Prices of Istanbul Clinics

What is osteoarthritis?

It is a chronic joint disease characterized by the progressive degradation of cartilage, which is the protective layer that covers bones in joints. It results from a combination of mechanical, genetic, and inflammatory factors. Lack of physical activity, being overweight, and age are also key factors in its development and progression.

This condition can affect various joints, including the knees, hips, cervical spine, and thumbs. It can impact mobility and quality of life.

Don't let osteoarthritis interfere with your daily life. Contact us today for a free, personalized assessment of your medical situation.

The most common types of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis does not affect all joints in the same way. It can occur in different areas of the body with different symptoms and consequences. Below are the most common forms we treat at our partner clinics in Turkey.

Osteoarthritis of the knee (gonarthrosis)

This is the most common form of arthritis worldwide. It occurs when the cartilage in the knee wears away, leading to pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility. Although it can affect young people, the risk increases significantly after age 45.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO),over 500 million people worldwide live with osteoarthritis, with the knee being the most commonly affected joint. Since the knee is a major weight-bearing joint, it is often the first joint affected. Women are at a higher risk than men, especially after menopause.

Cervical osteoarthritis

Very common after the age of 60, it affects the vertebrae in the neck. It can cause pain, stiffness, and discomfort when moving the head. In 85% of cases, it remains asymptomatic for a long time.

Fortunately, this form of osteoarthritis responds well to non-surgical treatments such as physiotherapy, analgesic drugs, and spinal decompression techniques when diagnosed.

Hip osteoarthritis (coxarthrosis)

Hip osteoarthritis can limit mobility and become a handicap in everyday life. The pain is not confined to the joint. It can radiate to the groin, thigh, buttocks, or even the knee, which makes diagnosis more complex.

The hip gradually becomes stiff, making certain movements difficult, such as climbing stairs, sitting down, and bending over. Early diagnosis is essential to slowing the progression of the disease.

Osteoarthritis of the thumb (rhizarthrosis)

Located at the base of the thumb, this form of osteoarthritis significantly impacts prehension and fine motor skills. The affected joint enables the thumb to move in several directions (pinching, grasping, and turning).

Over time, pain may occur during simple actions such as opening a jar, writing, or picking up objects. In Turkey, there are specific solutions ranging from infiltration to minimally invasive surgery, depending on the stage of the disease.

Main risk factors

Many people think that osteoarthritis only affects the elderly or is just "normal wear and tear." In reality, however, it is a degenerative disease that affects the entire joint, not just the cartilage.

It generally begins with the progressive wear of articular cartilage. This elastic tissue covers the ends of bones and facilitates pain-free movement. When this cartilage thins or disappears, the bones are exposed and rub directly against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and inflammation.

Several factors increase the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis throughout a lifetime:

• Age is the number one factor. The risk increases significantly after age 50.
• Gender: Women, especially after menopause, are at a higher risk than men.
• Overweight or obesity: Excess weight puts pressure on weight-bearing joints. This is particularly true for the knees and hips.
• Joint trauma: Even a well-healed old injury can lead to long-term joint fragility.
• Overuse of joints: Certain repetitive movements associated with a job or sporting activity can accelerate wear and tear.
• Family history: There may be a genetic predisposition.
• Congenital joint malformations alter the joint's natural balance.
• Certain metabolic pathologies, such as diabetes or hemochromatosis.
• Inflammatory joint diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can lead to the development of osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis does not appear overnight. Identifying risk factors early on makes it possible to adopt preventive measures or slow the progression of the disease.

In Turkey, our specialized clinics support you every step of the way, from a complete diagnostic assessment to implementing a personalized treatment plan based on your joint profile and needs.

Osteoarthritis care in Turkey

Treatment for osteoarthritis in Turkey is part of a comprehensive, personalized approach that combines modern medicine, advanced technology, and human support. Although osteoarthritis cannot be cured, its progression can be slowed, pain can be alleviated, and quality of life can be improved.

Treatment options depend on the stage of the disease, your symptoms, and your general state of health. You won't just be a patient passing through. You will be an active participant in your health journey, guided step by step toward concrete, lasting solutions tailored to your pace.

Drug treatments

Medication treatments primarily aim to relieve pain and improve mobility:

• Analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) soothe acute pain.
• Slow-acting symptomatic treatments, such as glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, or avocado/soy extracts, are effective. The efficacy of these treatments is still debated, but they can be recommended on a case-by-case basis.
• Intra-articular infusions, such as corticosteroids to rapidly reduce inflammation, or hyaluronic acid to improve joint lubrication.

Physical approaches and rehabilitation

Turkey has highly developed personalized physiotherapy programs. These programs aim to:

• Strengthen the muscles around the joint.
• Preserve or restore joint amplitude.
• Correct postural and functional imbalances.

These sessions are often combined with hot/cold applications or modern techniques such as electrotherapy or shockwave therapy.

Orthopedic aids

These aids can help you move around more easily and relieve pressure on your joints:

• Orthoses, such as splints and knee braces, can be prescribed.
• Orthopedic insoles can correct foot alignment.
• Crutches or ergonomic canes are prescribed for significant walking discomfort.

All of these aids are prescribed after a full postural assessment by an orthopedist or a specialized physiotherapist.

When should surgery be considered?

When medical and physical treatments are no longer sufficient, surgery may be an option. In Turkey, orthopedic clinics offer advanced surgical techniques, such as:

• Arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure to clean or repair the joint;
• Osteotomy, which involves realigning bones to relieve pressure on worn areas,
• Arthroplasty, the fitting of joint prostheses (e.g., knees and hips),with minimally invasive techniques for faster recovery.

These procedures are carried out in internationally accredited facilities with optimized postoperative care and comprehensive support before, during, and after your stay.