Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ömer Şevgin stated that inactivity has become one of the biggest health risks of the modern era, saying, 'Not walking short distances, constantly using elevators instead of stairs, and sitting in front of the TV for hours make us inactive and lead us towards illness, obesity, and laziness. Of course, desk work is one of the biggest factors triggering an inactive lifestyle.'
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ömer Şevgin stated that arthritis is more common in women than in men, adding, 'Especially in women, the decrease in estrogen hormone after menopause is effective.'
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ömer Şevgin, a faculty member at Üsküdar University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, provided information about arthritis, a disease affecting the joints.
Arthritis, the enemy of joints
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şevgin stated that arthritis is a group of diseases affecting the joints and leading to muscle weakness and immobility over time, adding, 'Pain, swelling, redness, and loss of function are among its most common symptoms. Arthritis group diseases affect an individual's quality of life and limit daily activities. The most common types are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.'
Lifestyle is the biggest determinant
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şevgin, emphasizing that many factors play a role in the onset of diseases, said, 'While there can be genetically transmitted patients, joint damage can also develop due to excessive and strenuous use in the body associated with age. Osteoarthritis, in particular, is a type of arthritis that develops with age. Lifestyle, of course, plays an important role in the development of this disease. Overloading our joints and constantly engaging in repetitive strenuous movements will eventually lead to the wear and tear of joint surfaces and trigger an irreversible process. For example, constantly carrying heavy bags, trying to do tasks that require two hands with one hand, not taking breaks during work, being above normal weight limits (overweight, obese), or lacking an ergonomic design at home or in the work environment.'
Inactivity fuels arthritis
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ömer Şevgin, stating that inactivity has become one of the biggest health risks of the modern era, continued:
'The proverbs 'A rolling stone gathers no moss' and 'Where there is movement, there is abundance' actually summarize the whole situation. Recently, with the comfort provided by technology, inactive living has significantly increased. Not walking short distances, constantly using elevators instead of stairs, and sitting in front of the TV for hours make us inactive and lead us towards illness, obesity, and laziness. Of course, desk work is one of the biggest factors triggering an inactive lifestyle. Weight gain, stiffness in the joints, and weakness due to disuse of muscles increase the risk of arthritis development. It also causes the progression of existing conditions.'
More common in women
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ömer Şevgin stated that arthritis is more common in women than in men, saying, 'The incidence of arthritis is higher in women compared to men. One of the most important reasons for this can be attributed to hormonal differences. Especially in women, the decrease in estrogen hormone after menopause is effective.'
Physiotherapy should be started immediately in arthritis treatment
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şevgin, emphasizing the importance of physical therapy in arthritis treatment, noted the following:
'We can include physiotherapy in arthritis treatment in 3 important stages. Preventive physiotherapy applications, therapeutic applications, and patient education stages with lifestyle changes that stop disease progression constitute the general management of physiotherapy. Before an individual becomes an arthritis patient, instilling an active lifestyle in society, regular exercise through various activities and events, posture awareness, and teaching ergonomic arrangements (at home, at work) to our youth from school age can be given as preventive physiotherapy applications. In therapeutic applications, physiotherapy should be started immediately in the acute, or first 3-month period, after an arthritis diagnosis is made.'
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şevgin noted that physiotherapy and rehabilitation is a frequently preferred method with very positive results in these patients, saying, 'Physiotherapy cannot reverse deformations in the joints, but it can slow down and prevent the progression of this deformation. It achieves this by reducing pain and swelling and increasing joint mobility.'
What are the suitable exercise types for arthritis patients?
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şevgin gave examples of the most suitable exercises for arthritis patients as those that do not put a load on the joint, especially calisthenics performed with one's own body weight, saying, 'Also, if possible, exercises performed in water are also tolerable for arthritis patients. Stretching and flexibility exercises, as well as aerobic exercises, can also be recommended. Exercise is actually a treatment method; it has a number, frequency, duration, and type; therefore, if exercise is to be performed, information must certainly be obtained from a physiotherapist.'
Cold weather can increase pain
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ömer Şevgin pointed out that patients' complaints increase especially during autumn and winter, stating, 'Although there is no definitive scientific explanation for this, some strong assumptions exist. Such as increased stiffness in joints in cold weather, the effect of air pressure on joints in humid weather, and the reduced effect on Vitamin D and inflammation due to decreased exposure to sunlight.'
New treatments are promising but temporary
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ömer Şevgin also touched upon new treatments that have emerged in recent years, saying, 'Continuous research is being conducted on this topic, and new methods are coming to the fore. Most of these methods aim to improve the patient's quality of life by focusing on pain. However, this treated pain reappears after a certain period. Although there is no permanent method yet, short-term effects are positive. In my opinion, the method that never gets old and will never get old is lifestyle change. The individual will be their own doctor and change their lifestyle.'
Recommendations for arthritis patients
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ömer Şevgin listed the points that arthritis patients should pay attention to:
“Do not continue movement when in pain.
Keep your weight under control.
No matter if at home, work, or on the road, always take rest breaks when performing a task.
Be aware of your posture and strive to maintain correct posture.
When performing a movement, ensure your joints are in the correct position.
Avoid repetitive movements.
Use large joints.”