The knees and hips are very important parts of the musculoskeletal system, which include:
- Bones (the skeleton)
- Muscles
- Cartilage
- Tendons
- Ligaments
- Joints
Osteoarthritis or osteoarthrosis is a widespread disease that affects millions of people around the world (men and women). It occurs mainly in people between the ages of 40 and 50 years. It is characterized by pain, stiffness, and functional loss. Furthermore, it results from the decay of the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones at the joints.
It is important to mention that Osteoarthritis differs from Rheumatoid arthritis. Indeed, Osteoarthrosis occurs when the cartilage joint surface wears out, and it begins in an isolated joint. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system attacks the body's tissue instead of invaders.
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Types & Causes of Degenerative Joint Diseases
Orthopedics and traumatology in Istanbul and Turkey are the fields of medicine that deal with musculoskeletal system conditions. Orthopedic doctors and surgeons use surgical and non-surgical techniques to deal with:
- Musculoskeletal trauma
- Spine diseases
- Degenerative joint diseases such as Osteoarthritis
The degenerative joint disease affects many joints such as the knees, neck, hip, and thumb. Osteoarthritis treatment in Turkey varies depending on the type of joint and the cartilage area that is infected. Among the different types of this rheumatic disease we can mention:
Osteoarthritis of Knee Joints
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint is the most common type of arthritis. Although it can occur in young people, the chances of developing osteoarthritis of the knee increase after the age of 45.
According to Turquie santé, more than 27 million people worldwide suffer from knee arthritis. Indeed, the knee joint is one of the most affected areas. Women are more likely to have osteoarthritis than men.
Cervical Degenerative arthritis
Cervical osteoarthritis is extremely common. Over 85% of people over the age of 60 are affected. The disease most often causes pain and stiffness in the neck, although many people with cervical osteoarthritis have no noticeable symptoms. In most cases, cervical osteoarthritis responds well to conservative treatment, including medication and physiotherapy.
Osteoarthrosis of hip joints
Patients with hip osteoarthritis sometimes have walking problems. Diagnosis can be difficult at first. Indeed, pain can appear in different places, including the groin, thigh, buttocks, or knee.
The pain can be intense or recurrent, or it can be mild. Added to that, the hip is often stiff because of the damaged joint.
Rhizarthrosis (thumb Osteoarthrosis)
Rhizarthrosis or thumb osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that involves the articulation of the first finger of the hand (thumb). It results in palpation pain and limiting movement. It is the result of the cartilage wear between the first metacarpal (base of the thumb) and the trapezium.
How is Osteoarthritis of Knee Joints treated in Turkey?
Osteoarthritis is a very painful disease that hits daily activities and can in some cases cause disability. It is treated by multiple methods and treatments that depend on the infected area:
Drugs
drugs are essential to treat osteoarthritis and ensure pain relief. The medicines that are used to relieve the pain include:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Intra-articular injections of steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (steroids)
- Hyaluronic acid
However, these drugs and substances may have some side effects on the patient if they are not used properly.
Sports
When the joint pain is severe, it is important to rest. But, several exercises can reduce your pain, such as:
- Walking
- Cycling
- Gymnastic movements
Losing weight can improve the quality of life of the patient and reduce knee pain because of the affected joints.
Natural remedies
in the majority of cases, drugs are not enough to treat osteoarthritis. Indeed, they must be accompanied by natural remedies such as:
- Nettles
- Soybean
- Trifolium pratense or the so-called Red clover
- Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa or Cimicifuga racemosa)
- Melatonin, a hormone that is released by the pineal gland
- Horsetail (Equisetum arvense, a herbal remedy)
- Essential oils (rosemary, peppermint, and lavender petroleum)
- Glucosamine, an amino sugar that is involved in the synthesis of glycosylated proteins and lipids
- Chondroitin, a dietary supplement and an essential component of cartilaginous tissues
- Traditional treatment such as acupuncture and Taichi
Glucosamine and chondroitin are both parts of the cartilage, they protect chondrocytes cells, which help preserve the cartilaginous tissue.
Costs & Prices of osteoarthritis treatment in Istanbul, Turkey
In some cases, performing surgery in Turkey would be necessary to remedy osteoarthritis. It is the orthopedic doctor who can tell you whether to undergo the required treatment.
How much does treatment cost in Turkey?
The costs and the prices of treatment of osteoarthritis in Turkey depend on the clinic that is chosen for the treatment. The Prices can also increase or decrease depending on the type of treatment.
For example, knee replacement or a knee implant surgery does not cost the same as a hip prosthesis procedure.
Is Osteoarthrosis covered by health insurance?
Some drugs are reimbursable by many health insurers, but you should verify if your insurance plan includes other types of treatments. Your doctor can establish that the surgery is medically necessary. Thus, the health insurance will cover the doctor’s fees, anesthesia, joints implant, and hospital or clinic operating room.
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