How is spinal osteoarthritis treated in Turkey?

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Degenerative joint disease (DJD), usually referred to as osteoarthritis, is the most prevalent form of arthritis. As people get older, osteoarthritis is more likely to occur. Though there are occasionally exceptions, osteoarthritis changes often take place gradually over a long period of time. Joint inflammation and damage result in bony alterations, and the degeneration of tendons, ligaments, and cartilage, which cause pain, swelling, and deformity of the joint. 

On X-ray, osteoarthritis can be seen in about 80% of older persons who are 55 years of age and older. An estimated 60% of them have symptoms. Over 30 million persons in the United States are among the 240 million adults globally who are estimated to have symptoms of osteoarthritis. Compared to men, post-menopausal women have a higher incidence of knee osteoarthritis.Invest in your health, invest in a brighter future. Our comprehensive medical programs deliver real results, while you indulge in the beauty and serenity of our destination.

Osteoarthritis can come in two forms:

Primary: The fingers, thumbs, spine, hips, knees, and great (large) toes are the most frequently occurring, generalized, and affected body parts.

Secondary: Occurs in conjunction with a pre-existing joint abnormality, such as a repetitive or sports-related injury or trauma, inflammatory arthritis (such as rheumatoid, psoriatic, or gout), infectious arthritis, genetic joint disorders (such as Ehlers-Danlos, also known as hypermobility or “double-jointed”), congenital joint disorders, or metabolic joint disorders.

The connective tissue called cartilage that covers the ends of bones in healthy joints is rigid, rubbery, and flexible. It is mostly composed of water and proteins and has the functions of reducing friction in joints and acting as a “shock absorber.” Normal cartilage’s capacity to change shape when compressed as a result of its high water content is what gives it its shock-absorbing properties. The body does not produce new cartilage in response to injury, even though injured cartilage may undergo some healing. Since cartilage lacks blood veins, it is avascular. As a result, healing takes time. Two key components make up cartilage: the chondrocytes that reside within it and the matrix, a gel-like substance primarily formed of water and two different types of proteins (collagen and proteoglycans).

What happens with cartilage loss?

Although the precise causes of bone deterioration and cartilage loss are not completely understood, progress has been made recently. The slow deterioration of cartilage within joints is thought to be caused by complicated signaling systems, joint inflammation, and inadequate repair mechanisms in response to damage. Joint pain is brought on by exercise as a result of other changes that make the joint less mobile and functional.

Since primary osteoarthritis has many distinct causes and is not only “wear and tear” arthritis, it is a heterogeneous illness. Some of the risk factors for OA (osteoarthritis) are changeable (may be modified), while others are non-modifiable (such as being born with it or having it as a permanent condition). Although not all older persons will acquire osteoarthritis, and even among those who do, not everyone will have pain, age is a contributing factor. In addition to the inflammatory and metabolic risks mentioned above, osteoarthritis can also be more common, especially when there is diabetes and/or high cholesterol.

Both primary cases of osteoarthritis, like nodular OA of the hands, and secondary cases linked to other hereditary illnesses, like hypermobility of joints, can be inherited. Osteoarthritis can also be caused by prior trauma or injuries, particularly sports-related and repetitive actions.

Numerous risk factors, such as obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, sex, and heredity, raise the likelihood of getting osteoarthritis in addition to age and secondary causes such as inflammatory arthritis and prior trauma/injury.

• Obesity. Obesity increases the risk of osteoarthritis, especially in the knee. Obesity has been linked to osteoarthritis through its metabolic and pro-inflammatory effects in addition to taxing the body’s weight-bearing systems. For those who are at risk, maintaining a healthy weight or decreasing excess weight is crucial.
• Diabetes and hyperlipidemia (high lipids/cholesterol). They both increase the risk of osteoarthritis by triggering the body’s inflammatory response. Similar to how atherosclerosis affects blood vessels, oxidation of lipids can also result in deposits in cartilage that disrupt the blood flow of subchondral bone. The body produces more free radicals as a result of high blood sugar levels and high cholesterol/lipid levels, and this oxidative stress exceeds the cellular resistance of cartilage. In addition to overall health, managing diabetes and hyperlipidemia is crucial for bone health.
• Estrogen level. As estrogen is protective of bone health, specifically lowering oxidative stress to the cartilage, post-menopausal women’s decreased estrogen raises the incidence of knee osteoarthritis. 
• Heredity. As those born with certain bone illnesses or genetic features may be more likely to develop osteoarthritis, heredity can play a part in the development of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis, for instance, may be exacerbated by conditions like Ehlers-Danlos, which are characterized by slack or hypermobile joints.

If you want to learn more about how is spinal osteoarthritis treated in Turkey continue reading.

Osteoarthritis pain typically comes on gradually over many months or years, unlike other types of arthritis. It frequently gets worse when engaging in joint-stressing activities like jogging or protracted walking. Joint swelling and pain usually worsen gradually over time. In certain cases, especially in more severe diseases, damaged joints may feel as though they are crunching or grinding. In other words, the symptoms include,

• joint tenderness
• joint stiffness
• limited range of motion
• weakness or numbness in the legs or arms, tingling in the legs

Back pain from OA of the spine is frequently worse when standing or sitting straight. Lying down usually makes things better. Some patients with spine osteoarthritis don’t exhibit any symptoms.

Compared to inflammatory arthritides like rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, prolonged morning stiffness is not a prominent OA symptom. Normal symptoms of osteoarthritis do not include fevers, weight loss, or extremely hot and red joints. These characteristics imply the presence of another disease or form of arthritis.

• Your doctor may do a physical examination to look for soreness, a restricted range of motion, and swelling in your back before determining whether you have OA of the spine. If you experience any additional symptoms, such as numbness or weakness, let your doctor know.
• Osteoarthritis is normally identified by your healthcare practitioner (MD, DO, NP, PA) after thoroughly reviewing your medical history and looking at your joints. To ensure there is no other cause for the discomfort, X-rays may be useful.
• Imaging examinations are frequently used to identify spinal OA. These examinations can look for fractures, bone spurs, and cartilage loss in your joints. In most cases, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is not required unless there are exceptional conditions or there is a suspicion of a cartilage or surrounding ligament tear.
• Osteoarthritis cannot be diagnosed using blood tests. Several physicians request a joint fluid analysis. In this operation, your doctor takes a fluid sample from the injured joint by inserting a needle there. This test can reveal whether an infection, gout, or OA is to blame for your symptoms.

It is not possible to treat osteoarthritis. A mix of pharmaceutical and non-pharmacological therapies typically works well to control mild to severe symptoms.

The goals of treatments include:

• Reduce joint stiffness and pain, and postpone future development.
• Increase function and mobility.
• Boost the standard of living of patients.

How is spinal osteoarthritis treated in Turkey? The treatment types include,

• Surgery
• Exercise
• Weight control
• Hot and cold therapies
• Supportive devices
• Medications
• Alternative medicine

Surgery

Surgery may be an option if osteoarthritis pain cannot be controlled medically and interferes with daily activities. Surgery is typically only performed on patients with severe osteoarthritis. Numerous methods, such as minimally invasive joint replacement methods, can be used. Joint surgery today can be quite effective in restoring some function and reducing pain for the right people, despite its hazards.

The surgery types include,

• Joint replacement. This is typically the best choice when surgery is necessary to treat OA. This is especially true for older individuals who are less likely to require a second replacement. Surgery to replace a joint is also referred to as arthroplasty. Through this operation, the body’s damaged joint surfaces are removed and replaced with plastic or metal prostheses. The two most often replaced joints are the hip and knee. The elbows, fingers, ankles, and other joints, however, can all be replaced. Joint prostheses can survive for twenty years or longer. However, how a joint is used and how well its supporting tissues hold up over time determine how long a joint replacement will last.
• Bone realignment. A type of surgery called an osteotomy realigns bones that have been arthritically injured. Stress on the bone or joint’s injured area is reduced as a result. Only younger individuals with OA who don’t choose joint replacement undergo osteotomies.
• Bone fusion. To improve joint stability and lessen discomfort, the bones in a joint might be permanently united. The joint’s range of motion is typically significantly restricted or absent after this operation. However, it might be the most effective technique to treat chronic, incapacitating pain in severe cases of OA. Arthrodesis is another name for bone fusion.
• Arthroscopic surgery. A surgeon removes damaged and ripped cartilage from a joint during this operation. Arthroscopes are used for this procedure. A tiny camera is attached to a tube as an arthroscope. While performing treatments on the knee joint, it enables surgeons to see inside the knee joint. Bone spurs can also be removed by arthroscopy.

Exercise

Exercise is crucial to enhancing muscle strength, joint stability, and flexibility. It is advised to practice low-impact strength exercise, water aerobics, and swimming. These have been demonstrated to lessen the discomfort and functional limitations experienced by osteoarthritis patients. Exercise regimens that are very strenuous should be avoided because they could exacerbate arthritis symptoms and promote the disease’s development. Individuals with osteoarthritis can receive appropriate and customized exercise programs from physical therapists or occupational therapists.

Weight control

Working to better control weight may help prevent and treat osteoarthritis because obesity is a known risk factor for the condition. It has been demonstrated that weight loss in overweight people with osteoarthritis lowers stress and pain levels in weight-bearing joints and moderates the inflammatory processes that cause OA.

Hot and cold therapies

Treatments that alternate between being hot and cold may offer momentary pain and stiffness alleviation. These remedies include taking a hot shower or bath as well as gently applying heating or cooling pads or packs.

Supportive devices

Devices that provide support or assistance reduce the strain on the damaged joints. In order to support and stabilize uncomfortable, injured joints, braces and orthotics are helpful. Medical equipment should only be used as directed and under the supervision of a qualified healthcare expert, such as a physical or occupational therapist. To relieve strain on specific joints and enhance body and gait mechanics, shoe lifts or inserts, a cane, or a walker may be useful. 

Medications

In contrast to other types of arthritis, where significant advancements have been made recently, osteoarthritis has advanced considerably more slowly. There are currently no drugs on the market that have been proven to stop osteoarthritis in its tracks or at least reduce its growth. 

Acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) are examples of painkillers. Due to the chronic nature of the condition and the potential for tolerance and addiction, narcotic painkillers are not advised. The skin of the affected areas may be treated topically using analgesic patches, lotions, rubs, or sprays to reduce discomfort. Even though many of these drugs are sold as over-the-counter remedies, people with osteoarthritis should consult a doctor before using the drugs. Some drugs may interact with other drugs that are being used or cause hazardous or undesired side effects. Routine laboratory testing is still necessary for several over-the-counter drugs.

Does FDA approve medications for osteoarthritis treatment?

In 2010, the FDA approved the antidepressant duloxetine hydrochloride (Cymbalta®) for the treatment of osteoarthritis pain, including lower back pain. For some who cannot handle NSAIDs or other therapies, that has been a huge aid.

Alternative medicine

Supplements and complementary therapies Nutraceuticals—a phrase that combines the words “nutrition” and “pharmaceutical”—are substances that are sold without a prescription in pharmacies and health food stores and are not approved by the FDA as pharmaceuticals. The terms “natural,” “homeopathic,” or “alternative” remedies are occasionally used to describe these substances, which also include dietary supplements, vitamins, minerals, and other substances. There are many preparations, the actual amount of active chemicals may vary, and there is no guarantee as to the correctness of the label and the product because this market is less regulated than the food and pharmaceutical industries.

• Effectiveness of osteoarthritis treatment. Turkey provides patients with osteoarthritis cutting-edge therapies like stem cell therapy. Patients are grateful for the favorable results of these cutting-edge therapies.
• The professionalism of the doctors. Turkish medical professionals with extensive training and experience in treating osteoarthritis carry out a lot of procedures and treatments and are a part of renowned organizations.
• Service quality. Patients value the excellent quality of service, which includes complimentary services like transportation from the airport to the hospital and translation services.
• Cost. In Turkey, the cost of treating osteoarthritis is around €12000, making it more inexpensive than in other countries. 

To calculate the price of your treatment use the cost calculator below.

Living with spinal osteoarthritis can be made easier by adopting a healthy lifestyle. A healthy diet and weight maintenance can help with symptoms and lower spinal pressure. It also works well to exercise for at least 30 minutes three times a week. Joint flexibility and strength are improved with exercise. Better moods, a stronger heart, and enhanced blood flow are additional advantages of regular exercise. It will be simpler to handle daily duties pain-free the more active you are. Consult your doctor about appropriate exercise. Walking, swimming, aerobic exercises, yoga, pilates, tai chi, and strength training are among the options.

You can always contact us through the free consultation service that we provide if you have any questions or if you seek help. Feel free to reach Medical Center Turkey.

How is spinal osteoarthritis treated in Turkey? (Price, Duration Time, Hospitalization)