Getting to Know the Calcification of Bones Often Experienced by the Elderly

When entering old age, a person becomes more vulnerable and at risk of experiencing bone calcification. Generally, this disease problem is more prone to attack adults, both women and men who are over 60 years old. In the medical world, bone calcification is called osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the cartilage between the bones and joints wears away or wears away.

According to WHO, one in ten men and one in five women over the age of 60 experience osteoarthritis in the world. Please note, osteoarthritis or calcification of the bones is one of the 10 main causes of paralysis and impaired joint movement. Patients with osteoarthritis most often feel pain and stiffness in joints such as knees, hands, hips, lower back, fingers and neck.

Calcification of the knee joint occurs due to changes in the fluid and structure of the knee joint tissue, namely cartilage tissue. The knee joint is covered with 5 mm thick hyaline cartilage which allows the joint to move without friction.

In the elderly, usually the joints become stiff and less flexible, the fluid in the joints also decreases. In a normal joint, cartilage or cartilage covering each end of the bone that serves as a bone cushion. In addition, the synovial membrane produces sufficient synovial fluid as a lubricant, this fluid is useful for maintaining cartilage function so that friction between bones is reduced and joints work smoothly. However, it is different for people who suffer from calcification.

In calcification, the cartilage is damaged, causing pain, swelling, and movement problems in the joints. The synovial fluid in the joints decreases so that the adjacent bones no longer have enough lubrication and causes inflammation.

The risk of osteoarthritis can be triggered by several factors including:

1.Gender

The cause of calcification of joints that occur can be caused by gender. Where, women are more at risk of experiencing osteoarthritis than men. Osteoarthritis is commonly experienced by women after menopause. Because menopause makes the production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone which used to be balanced to decrease. This causes disturbances in joint cells such as bone loss and loose ligaments.

2. Jobs

Occupational factors that force a person to always be active, for example going up and down stairs can increase the risk of osteoarthritis. Generally, working as an athlete in the world of football, baseball, and other types of vigorous sports is more prone to the risk of developing calcification of the joints due to a serious injury.

3. Obesity

Having a disproportionate body weight is not only at risk of experiencing various disease complications. However, they are also at risk of experiencing bone and joint problems. Because, heavy body weight puts greater pressure on the joints.

4. Injuries

Having a history of previous injuries can also increase the risk of joint calcification. These injuries can be due to sports or accidents. For example, you injured your knee while playing football, baseball, or basketball. These types of sports are indeed very at risk of experiencing a severe knee injury.

5. Bone Abnormalities

Having bone disorders can also increase the risk of osteoarthritis due to disorders in the cartilage. This bone disorder can be caused by a lack of nutrition, lifestyle, injury or bone fractures.

6. Have a history of illness

Diabetes can also increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis. Generally, the risk of osteoarthritis is more prone to attack people who have a history of type 2 diabetes.