Assoc. Prof. Ömer Şevgin emphasized that inactivity has become one of the greatest health risks of the modern age, stating: “Avoiding walking even short distances, constantly using elevators instead of stairs, and sitting for hours in front of the TV make us sedentary and lead to illness, obesity, and laziness. Of course, working at a desk for long periods is one of the biggest factors that trigger a sedentary lifestyle.”
He also noted that arthritis is more common in women than in men, explaining that “the decrease in estrogen levels, especially after menopause, plays an important role.”
Assoc. Prof. Ömer Şevgin, a faculty member at Üsküdar University’s Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, provided important insights into arthritis, a disease that affects the joints.
Arthritis: the enemy of the joints
Dr. Şevgin described arthritis as “a group of diseases that affect the joints and, over time, cause muscle weakness and reduced mobility.” He added: “Pain, swelling, redness, and loss of function are the most common symptoms. Arthritis-related diseases affect a person’s quality of life and limit their daily activities. The most common types include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.”
Lifestyle is the biggest determinant
Highlighting that many factors contribute to the development of arthritis, Şevgin said: “Some forms of the disease are hereditary, but others occur due to aging or excessive strain on the joints. Osteoarthritis, for example, is an age-related type of arthritis. Lifestyle is a key factor. Putting excessive load on our joints and repeating straining movements over time causes joint surface erosion, triggering an irreversible process.” He added practical examples: “Carrying heavy bags all the time, doing two-handed tasks with one hand, not taking breaks during work, being overweight or obese, and living or working in a poorly designed ergonomic environment all contribute to joint damage.”
Inactivity fuels arthritis
Reiterating the dangers of inactivity, Şevgin said: “The proverbs ‘A rolling stone gathers no moss’ and ‘Where there is movement, there is abundance’ summarize it perfectly. With the comfort brought by technology, sedentary living has drastically increased. Avoiding short walks, always using the elevator, or sitting for hours in front of the TV make us inactive and drag us toward illness, obesity, and laziness. Desk jobs are a major trigger for this lifestyle. Weight gain, joint stiffness, and muscle weakness caused by lack of use increase the risk of developing arthritis and worsen existing conditions.”
More common in women
Dr. Şevgin emphasized that arthritis occurs more frequently in women than in men, noting: “The incidence of arthritis is higher in women, mainly due to hormonal differences. The decrease in estrogen levels after menopause is one of the most significant factors.”
Physiotherapy should begin immediately in arthritis treatment
Emphasizing the importance of physical therapy in arthritis management, Assoc. Prof. Ömer Şevgin stated: “Physiotherapy in arthritis treatment can be considered in three main stages: preventive physiotherapy practices, therapeutic applications, and lifestyle changes along with patient education to halt disease progression. These stages form the general framework of physiotherapy management. Before a person develops arthritis, it is crucial to instill an active lifestyle in society through various activities and regular exercise. Teaching posture awareness and ergonomic arrangements (both at home and at work) to young people starting from school age is part of preventive physiotherapy. Once arthritis is diagnosed, physiotherapy should begin immediately in the acute phase, which refers to the first three months.”
Şevgin noted that physiotherapy and rehabilitation are widely used and highly effective approaches for arthritis patients: “Physiotherapy cannot reverse existing joint deformities, but it can slow down or stop their progression. This is achieved by reducing pain and swelling and increasing joint mobility.”
What types of exercise are suitable for arthritis patients?
Providing examples of appropriate exercise types, Şevgin said: “The most suitable exercises for arthritis patients are those that do not overload the joints, especially calisthenic exercises, which rely on the person’s own body weight. If possible, water-based exercises are also well tolerated by arthritis patients. Stretching, flexibility, and aerobic exercises can also be recommended. Exercise itself is a form of therapy, with its own parameters of frequency, duration, and type, so it should always be done under the guidance of a physiotherapist.”
Cold weather may worsen pain
that patients’ complaints often increase during autumn and winter, Şevgin explained: “Although there is no definitive scientific explanation, some strong assumptions exist. Stiffness in the joints tends to increase in cold weather, while humidity and air pressure changes may affect the joints. In addition, reduced sunlight exposure may decrease vitamin D synthesis and influence inflammation.”
New treatments are promising but temporary
Commenting on recent treatment developments, Şevgin said: “Research in this area is ongoing, and new methods are emerging. Most of these treatments focus on relieving pain and improving the patient’s quality of life. However, the pain often returns after some time. While there is still no permanent solution, the short-term effects are promising. In my opinion, the only method that will never lose its value is lifestyle modification. The patient must become their own doctor and change their way of living.”
Recommendations for arthritis patients
Assoc. Prof. Ömer Şevgin listed important points for arthritis patients to keep in mind:
- Avoid movement when experiencing pain.
- Keep your weight under control.
- Take rest breaks during tasks, whether at home, at work, or on the go.
- Be aware of your posture and maintain correct alignment.
- Make sure your joints are in the proper position during movement.
- Avoid repetitive motions.
- Use larger joints whenever possible.