{"id":15316,"date":"2026-04-20T10:36:43","date_gmt":"2026-04-20T07:36:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/?p=15316"},"modified":"2026-10-13T19:26:12","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T16:26:12","slug":"what-is-osteoarthritis-what-causes-osteoarthritis-and-what-are-its-symptoms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/what-is-osteoarthritis-what-causes-osteoarthritis-and-what-are-its-symptoms\/","title":{"rendered":"Osteoarthritis: Symptoms, Causes, Stages and Treatment Options"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Joint calcification, medically known as osteoarthritis, is the gradual wear and thinning of the smooth cartilage tissue that protects the joints, leading to the loss of function of the entire joint structure. This chronic process, which fundamentally arises from the disruption of the balance between the production and breakdown of cartilage cells, aging, excess weight, and excessive load on the joints, manifests itself with symptoms such as severe joint pain that increases with movement, short-term stiffness felt in the mornings, and limitation of movement. This condition, which progresses with inflammatory reactions within the joint and abnormal vascularization, is not merely a simple wear-and-tear issue but a biological damage that requires intervention with modern medical approaches.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Content<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #ffffff;color:#ffffff\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #ffffff;color:#ffffff\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/what-is-osteoarthritis-what-causes-osteoarthritis-and-what-are-its-symptoms\/#What_Is_Commonly_Known_as_Osteoarthritis_in_Society\" >What Is Commonly Known as Osteoarthritis in Society?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/what-is-osteoarthritis-what-causes-osteoarthritis-and-what-are-its-symptoms\/#What_Causes_Osteoarthritis_at_the_Cellular_Level\" >What Causes Osteoarthritis at the Cellular Level?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/what-is-osteoarthritis-what-causes-osteoarthritis-and-what-are-its-symptoms\/#What_Are_the_Risk_Factors_That_Trigger_Osteoarthritis\" >What Are the Risk Factors That Trigger Osteoarthritis?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/what-is-osteoarthritis-what-causes-osteoarthritis-and-what-are-its-symptoms\/#What_Are_the_Symptoms_Experienced_by_Patients_with_Osteoarthritis\" >What Are the Symptoms Experienced by Patients with Osteoarthritis?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/what-is-osteoarthritis-what-causes-osteoarthritis-and-what-are-its-symptoms\/#What_Causes_Chronic_Osteoarthritis_Pain\" >What Causes Chronic Osteoarthritis Pain?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/what-is-osteoarthritis-what-causes-osteoarthritis-and-what-are-its-symptoms\/#How_Is_an_Accurate_Diagnosis_of_Osteoarthritis_Made\" >How Is an Accurate Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis Made?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/what-is-osteoarthritis-what-causes-osteoarthritis-and-what-are-its-symptoms\/#What_Are_the_Advantages_of_Interventional_Methods_in_Non-Surgical_Osteoarthritis_Treatment\" >What Are the Advantages of Interventional Methods in Non-Surgical Osteoarthritis Treatment?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/what-is-osteoarthritis-what-causes-osteoarthritis-and-what-are-its-symptoms\/#What_Is_the_Breakthrough_Osteoarthritis_Treatment_Embolization_GAE\" >What Is the Breakthrough Osteoarthritis Treatment Embolization (GAE)?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/what-is-osteoarthritis-what-causes-osteoarthritis-and-what-are-its-symptoms\/#What_Are_the_Stages_of_Osteoarthritis_Treatment_with_Embolization\" >What Are the Stages of Osteoarthritis Treatment with Embolization?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/what-is-osteoarthritis-what-causes-osteoarthritis-and-what-are-its-symptoms\/#What_Are_Nerve-Targeting_Osteoarthritis_Treatments\" >What Are Nerve-Targeting Osteoarthritis Treatments?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/what-is-osteoarthritis-what-causes-osteoarthritis-and-what-are-its-symptoms\/#How_Are_Osteoarthritis_Pains_Treated_with_Injection_Methods\" >How Are Osteoarthritis Pains Treated with Injection Methods?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/what-is-osteoarthritis-what-causes-osteoarthritis-and-what-are-its-symptoms\/#Who_Are_Suitable_Candidates_for_These_New_Osteoarthritis_Treatments\" >Who Are Suitable Candidates for These New Osteoarthritis Treatments?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_Commonly_Known_as_Osteoarthritis_in_Society\"><\/span>What Is Commonly Known as Osteoarthritis in Society?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>This condition, commonly referred to as \u201cjoint calcification\u201d among the public, is often perceived as a simple wear-and-tear process associated with aging. However, the reality is quite different. Modern medical approaches consider this condition as a much more comprehensive picture of joint failure. Just as our heart or kidneys can go into failure, osteoarthritis involves the disruption of harmony and function of all structures that make up the joint.<\/p>\n<p>This process begins with the deterioration of the structural integrity of the extremely smooth and slippery cartilage tissue covering the joint surfaces. However, the problem does not remain limited to cartilage alone. It extends to a wide spectrum, including hardening of the bone beneath the cartilage, formation of new bone protrusions at the joint margins, inflammation of the synovial membrane lining the joint, and wasting of the surrounding muscles. This is not merely a degeneration visible on imaging but a highly dynamic process where vascular and neural targets emerge that can be directly treated. With next-generation medical methods, it is possible to intervene in this cycle and restore the patient\u2019s quality of life.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Causes_Osteoarthritis_at_the_Cellular_Level\"><\/span>What Causes Osteoarthritis at the Cellular Level?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Healthy joint cartilage is a remarkable structure that contains no blood vessels or nerves and absorbs tons of load like a sponge. The health of this tissue is maintained through a delicate balance by cartilage cells. However, once the osteoarthritis process begins, the balance between production and breakdown in these cells is completely disrupted.<\/p>\n<p>When the disease is triggered, cartilage cells begin to release certain chemical messengers that initiate inflammation. These messengers lead to the excessive production of destructive enzymes that break down the protein networks forming the basic framework of cartilage. In the early stage of this complex biochemical chaos, cartilage tissue swells by retaining water. However, this capacity is soon lost, the tissue loses its mechanical strength, and cracks, fraying, and eventually deep tears begin to form on its surface. As the smoothness of the joint surfaces disappears, friction increases during movement.<\/p>\n<p>Microscopic fractures and abnormal hardening occur in the load-bearing bone beneath the cartilage. These changes in this layer are the main cause of the deep bone ache felt by patients. In an attempt to restore the disrupted joint balance and distribute the load, the body forms new, irregular bone protrusions at the joint margins. These protrusions physically restrict joint movement and sometimes compress surrounding nerves, further intensifying pain. The membrane lining the inner surface of the joint capsule thickens and becomes inflamed. As a result of this reaction, excessive fluid accumulates in the joint, leading to visible swelling and chronic pain.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_the_Risk_Factors_That_Trigger_Osteoarthritis\"><\/span>What Are the Risk Factors That Trigger Osteoarthritis?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The prevalence of osteoarthritis is rising significantly worldwide in parallel with increasing life expectancy and growing rates of excess weight. It is one of the leading causes of reduced physical mobility, especially in individuals over the age of fifty.<\/p>\n<p>The main risk factors include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Advanced age<\/li>\n<li>Female gender<\/li>\n<li>Obesity<\/li>\n<li>Genetic predisposition<\/li>\n<li>Previous sports injuries<\/li>\n<li>Occupational strain<\/li>\n<li>Sedentary lifestyle<\/li>\n<li>History of joint infections<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>With aging, the repair capacity of cartilage cells naturally declines. The risk of developing this condition is significantly higher in women compared to men. Especially after menopause, hormonal changes negatively affect cartilage health. Excess weight is one of the most critical and modifiable risk factors for this disease. The excessive pressure on weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips dramatically accelerates cartilage wear. Additionally, fat tissue continuously releases pro-inflammatory substances into the bloodstream. This systemic inflammation can trigger problems even in non-weight-bearing joints such as those in the hands.<\/p>\n<p>Family history is also an undeniable factor. It is a strong determinant, particularly in early-onset knee problems and hand osteoarthritis characterized by nodal formations in the fingers. Past sports injuries, such as meniscus tears or ligament ruptures, significantly increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis in that joint years later. Moreover, occupations that require frequent squatting, kneeling, or heavy lifting can accelerate this process by accumulating microtraumas in the joints over time.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_the_Symptoms_Experienced_by_Patients_with_Osteoarthritis\"><\/span>What Are the Symptoms Experienced by Patients with Osteoarthritis?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The clinical presentation of the disease varies from person to person depending on which joint is affected and how quickly tissue damage progresses. While some patients experience a mild course, others may struggle to perform even daily activities.<\/p>\n<p>The most common symptoms include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Joint pain<\/li>\n<li>Morning stiffness<\/li>\n<li>Limited range of motion<\/li>\n<li>Sounds coming from the joints<\/li>\n<li>Swelling around the joint<\/li>\n<li>Deformities<\/li>\n<li>Difficulty walking<\/li>\n<li>Aching even at rest<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Mechanical pain is the most characteristic symptom of this disease. It increases with joint use, walking, or weight-bearing and typically decreases with rest. The stiffness felt in the joints upon waking in the morning or after prolonged inactivity is called morning stiffness. Stiffness associated with osteoarthritis is generally related to thickening of joint fluids and usually resolves within about half an hour after the first few steps.<\/p>\n<p>The gradual decrease in joint range of motion is another factor that significantly affects patients\u2019 lives. Activities such as climbing stairs, getting up from a chair, or walking long distances become challenging. Clicking and grinding sounds from the joints result from the cartilage surface becoming rough like sandpaper. Occasional swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected joint are important signs indicating a flare-up of inflammation in the joint lining.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Causes_Chronic_Osteoarthritis_Pain\"><\/span>What Causes Chronic Osteoarthritis Pain?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Viewing the disease merely as simple cartilage loss is insufficient to explain why patients experience such severe pain. Under normal conditions, healthy cartilage tissue does not contain nerve fibers capable of sensing pain. Therefore, different mechanisms are responsible for the severe pain experienced even before complete tissue loss occurs.<\/p>\n<p>As cartilage deteriorates, a significant inflammatory process begins in the membrane surrounding the joint and the underlying bone. To transport more blood to this inflamed area and initiate a so-called repair process, the body forms microscopic abnormal new capillaries. However, this is where the problem begins; these newly formed diseased vessels do not grow alone. They also carry microscopic sensory nerve fibers that transmit pain signals into the joint.<\/p>\n<p>Tissues that should not normally feel pain become highly sensitive centers that continuously send pain signals to the brain even under minimal pressure or at rest. As the disease progresses, this nerve network becomes so sensitive that the patient may experience severe pain even while resting or sleeping at night. The primary architect of this chronic pain, which does not respond to simple painkillers and significantly reduces quality of life, is this abnormal network of vessels and nerves formed within the joint.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Is_an_Accurate_Diagnosis_of_Osteoarthritis_Made\"><\/span>How Is an Accurate Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis Made?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The first step in planning the correct treatment is undoubtedly establishing a precise and complete diagnosis. The most important stage in the diagnostic process is the detailed medical history taken by the physician through careful listening, followed by a comprehensive physical examination. Details such as the nature of the pain, when it increases, and which movements relieve it provide valuable clues.<\/p>\n<p>Imaging methods are then utilized. X-rays taken while standing and bearing weight on the joint are the most commonly used initial method. These images clearly show the degree of joint space narrowing, the extent of cartilage loss, and the size of bone protrusions. However, X-rays cannot directly visualize cartilage tissue and soft tissues.<\/p>\n<p>At this point, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) becomes essential. MRI maps even millimetric changes in cartilage structure, bone marrow edema, and thickening of the synovial membrane in great detail. Especially in patients planned for next-generation non-surgical treatments, MRI scans serve as an indispensable guide in identifying areas where abnormal vascularization and inflammation are concentrated. When X-ray and MRI findings are combined, the disease is graded from stage zero to four, and the most appropriate, personalized treatment plan is created for each patient.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_the_Advantages_of_Interventional_Methods_in_Non-Surgical_Osteoarthritis_Treatment\"><\/span>What Are the Advantages of Interventional Methods in Non-Surgical Osteoarthritis Treatment?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The treatment of the disease typically follows certain steps. Weight loss, regular exercise, and physical therapy are the first approaches. Painkillers and topical creams are used to manage the process. However, when these methods are insufficient and pain becomes unbearable, the only option in the past was major joint replacement surgery.<\/p>\n<p>Today, with advancements in medicine, interventional radiological methods have emerged as a bridge offering non-surgical alternatives to major surgical operations. These methods, performed under the guidance of advanced imaging devices, provide treatments directly targeting the source of the problem without large incisions. Patients are freed from long and exhausting rehabilitation processes and experience a much more comfortable recovery period.<\/p>\n<p>The advantages of these methods are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Minimally invasive approach<\/li>\n<li>No need for general anesthesia<\/li>\n<li>Rapid discharge<\/li>\n<li>Quick return to daily life<\/li>\n<li>Procedures performed through a needle puncture<\/li>\n<li>No stitches or scars<\/li>\n<li>Precise, targeted intervention<\/li>\n<li>Low risk of complications<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>All procedures are completed by entering through a point no larger than a needle hole on the skin. During the procedure, the area is numbed, ensuring patient comfort. This provides vital safety, especially for elderly individuals and those with other chronic diseases. Unlike major surgeries, there is no need for prolonged hospitalization. The patient can walk out on their own just a few hours after the procedure. Thanks to imaging technologies, healthy tissues are not damaged, and the procedure is performed with millimetric precision only on the affected area.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_the_Breakthrough_Osteoarthritis_Treatment_Embolization_GAE\"><\/span>What Is the Breakthrough Osteoarthritis Treatment Embolization (GAE)?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>One of the most significant innovations in recent years, particularly for knee osteoarthritis, is a procedure called genicular artery embolization. This method completely overturns the traditional understanding of the disease as merely a mechanical wear problem. Instead, it targets the vascular and inflammatory mechanisms underlying the condition.<\/p>\n<p>As mentioned earlier, the main source of chronic pain is the abnormal new vessels proliferating in the joint lining and the nerve networks they carry. The embolization procedure is based on temporarily blocking the tiny capillaries that feed this abnormal vascular network from within using angiographic techniques. When this diseased blood flow is cut off, the influx of harmful inflammatory chemicals to the area stops.<\/p>\n<p>As a result, swelling in the joint lining begins to subside. More importantly, the excitability of the newly formed sensory nerve endings decreases, effectively silencing the persistent chronic pain signals. With the reduction of inflammation within the joint, the patient\u2019s mobility improves, making it possible again to climb stairs, walk, and perform daily activities. Although this method does not regenerate cartilage, it breaks the destructive pain cycle caused by the disease, offering patients a highly comfortable period that can last for years.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_the_Stages_of_Osteoarthritis_Treatment_with_Embolization\"><\/span>What Are the Stages of Osteoarthritis Treatment with Embolization?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>This procedure is a high-tech process performed in a fully equipped and sterile angiography unit under imaging guidance. It requires special expertise due to the use of extremely fine and delicate instruments.<\/p>\n<p>The procedural steps are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Application of local anesthesia<\/li>\n<li>Vascular access through the groin<\/li>\n<li>Mapping the vascular structure of the knee<\/li>\n<li>Reaching the problem area with a microcatheter<\/li>\n<li>Blocking abnormal vessels<\/li>\n<li>Injection of microspheres<\/li>\n<li>Removal of the catheter and dressing<\/li>\n<li>Post-procedure observation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>First, the patient\u2019s groin area is completely numbed. Without any surgical incision, entry into the artery is made using a special needle. Since the inside of the vessel does not feel pain, the patient does not sense the advancement. Thin tubes are guided down to the knee area. At this stage, a contrast agent is administered to obtain a detailed vascular map of the knee and identify abnormal areas where inflammation is concentrated.<\/p>\n<p>Then, hair-thin catheters are inserted into the small vessel branches leading to the area where the patient feels the most pain. Once the correct position is confirmed, microscopic biological particles smaller than grains of sand are slowly injected. These particles do not block the main blood flow of the leg; they only settle within the diseased capillary network to regulate abnormal circulation. After achieving the desired blockage, the instruments are withdrawn, bleeding is controlled, and the procedure is completed. The patient can return home after a few hours of rest.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_Nerve-Targeting_Osteoarthritis_Treatments\"><\/span>What Are Nerve-Targeting Osteoarthritis Treatments?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In some cases, the patient\u2019s general health condition or joint anatomy may not be suitable for intravascular treatments. At this stage, ablation techniques that directly target the nerves carrying pain signals emerge as excellent alternatives. Ablation refers to rendering diseased tissue or pain-transmitting nerves nonfunctional.<\/p>\n<p>Radiofrequency ablation utilizes heat energy generated by high-frequency radio waves. Under ultrasound or X-ray guidance, special needles are inserted into points where sensory nerves around the joint pass. The current delivered through the needle tip creates controlled heat around the nerve, safely blocking its ability to transmit pain signals. The alarm signals traveling from the joint to the brain are silenced, and the patient\u2019s pain disappears.<\/p>\n<p>Cryoablation works on the opposite principle\u2014freezing. Instead of heat, it uses the power of extreme cold. A special system creates an ice ball at sub-zero temperatures at the tip of the needle, freezing the pain nerve. Since cold has a natural anesthetic effect, the likelihood of experiencing pain during and after the procedure is much lower. Both methods provide relief lasting for months and can be safely repeated when necessary.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Are_Osteoarthritis_Pains_Treated_with_Injection_Methods\"><\/span>How Are Osteoarthritis Pains Treated with Injection Methods?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The disease has flare-up periods when symptoms intensify. During these times, targeted injections directly into the joint can be life-saving by quickly suppressing inflammation and helping the patient regain mobility. These injections, performed using advanced medical imaging devices, deliver medication to the damaged area with millimetric precision. In spinal and cervical osteoarthritis, injections into small joints between vertebrae or into sacroiliac joints behind the hip play a key role in managing mechanical pain.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, regenerative medicine applications aimed at repairing tissue are rapidly advancing. Injecting fluids derived from the patient\u2019s own blood and enriched with healing cells into the joint stimulates the body\u2019s natural repair mechanisms. Similarly, stem cells obtained from abdominal fat or bone marrow, processed through specialized techniques and applied to damaged cartilage areas, produce powerful biological effects in slowing cellular destruction and preserving tissue. When applied in early stages, the success rate of these biological treatments is quite high.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_Are_Suitable_Candidates_for_These_New_Osteoarthritis_Treatments\"><\/span>Who Are Suitable Candidates for These New Osteoarthritis Treatments?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The key to the success of next-generation treatments lies in selecting the most appropriate method for the patient. Each patient\u2019s symptoms, age, lifestyle, and joint structure are different. Therefore, treatments cannot be applied in a standard, one-size-fits-all manner. When applied to the right profiles after a comprehensive evaluation, the results are highly satisfactory.<\/p>\n<p>The most suitable candidate profiles include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Those who do not respond to medication and physical therapy<\/li>\n<li>Individuals who are hesitant about surgery<\/li>\n<li>Those with risks associated with general anesthesia<\/li>\n<li>Patients who want to postpone joint replacement surgery<\/li>\n<li>Those with persistent pain after surgery<\/li>\n<li>Individuals suffering from chronic pain<\/li>\n<li>Patients in the moderate stage of the disease<\/li>\n<li>Those who wish to maintain an active lifestyle<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Patients whose severe pain does not subside despite months of regular medication and exercise programs, and who struggle with walking and daily activities, benefit greatly from these innovative procedures. It is also an excellent alternative for individuals who fear joint replacement surgery or do not want to take on the risks of surgery and long rehabilitation processes. Patients for whom general anesthesia is medically risky due to advanced age, severe cardiovascular disease, or lung problems can be safely treated with these procedures performed under local anesthesia. Additionally, younger individuals who wish to delay surgery due to the limited lifespan of prostheses can gain valuable time and maintain a comfortable life with these methods.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Joint calcification, medically known as osteoarthritis, is the gradual wear and thinning of the smooth cartilage tissue that protects the joints, leading to the loss of function of the entire joint structure. This chronic process, which fundamentally arises from the disruption of the balance between the production and breakdown of cartilage cells, aging, excess weight, [&#8230;]\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":15315,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[341],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-15316","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog-en"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15316","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15316"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15316\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16524,"href":"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15316\/revisions\/16524"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15315"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15316"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15316"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ozgurkilickesmez.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15316"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}