Joint Degeneration: Diagnosis and Treatment

What is Joint Degeneration?

Joint degeneration is a condition that occurs when joints wear and tear over time. It is commonly known as “arthritis”. Although it is often associated with the aging process, injuries or genetic factors affecting the joints can also trigger the condition. Degeneration can negatively affect quality of life with symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness and restricted movement.

How is Joint Degeneration Diagnosed?

As Metropol Health Group, we provide services with advanced technologies and our expert physician staff to ensure the correct diagnosis of joint degeneration:

• Physical Examination: Tenderness, range of motion and pain intensity in the joints are evaluated.
• Imaging Techniques: The condition of the joints and the level of degeneration are examined in detail with methods such as X-rays, MRI and ultrasound.
• Blood Tests: In some cases, blood tests may be performed to identify joint inflammation and other factors that can cause degeneration.

What are the Symptoms?

• Constant or intermittent joint pain
• Stiffness in joint movements, especially in the morning
• Limitation of movement and loss of flexibility
• Swelling, tenderness or warmth in the joint
• Crunching or rubbing sound during joint movement
• Muscle weakness and deformation in advanced cases

Treatment Methods

1. Drug Treatments

• Painkillers Reduce pain to facilitate activities of daily living.
• Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Relieve joint inflammation and improve mobility.
• Joint Protective Drugs: Used to protect cartilage tissue and slow down degeneration.

2. Injections

• Corticosteroid Injections: Injected into the joint to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Hyaluronic Acid Injections: Reduces friction and pain by increasing the viscosity of the joint fluid.

3. Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

• Joint mobility is increased with special exercise programs.
• Treatments that support muscle strength and reduce pain are applied.

4. Surgical Interventions

• Arthroscopy Removal of damaged tissues accumulated inside the joint.
• Joint Replacement: Replacement of the joint with artificial parts in case of severe damage.
• Minimally Invasive Techniques: Surgeries performed with fewer incisions and shorter recovery time.

Why Metropol Health Group?

• Expert Staff: Experienced orthopedic and physical therapy specialists.
• Advanced Technology: State-of-the-art imaging devices and minimally invasive surgical methods.
• Individual Treatment Plans: Treatment approaches customized to the patient’s needs.
• Rehabilitation Support: Full recovery is ensured with physical therapy in the post-treatment period.

By diagnosing joint degeneration early, you can get support from our clinic to improve your quality of life and facilitate your daily activities.