Experts warn about knee problems. Pointing out that approximately 35 percent of people over the age of 50 have minuscule damage and most of them do not show symptoms, Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist, Prof. Dr. Serdar Hakan Başaran said, “In general, knee problems can start at any age, but especially degenerative conditions such as calcification become more common and prominent with age.”
Knee joints, which enable sitting, standing and walking, almost pull the burden of the whole body. Today, knee problems can occur in everyone, young and old. Knee problems can start at any age due to lifestyle, genetic factors and any injury. Knee problems can occur in cases of advanced age, female gender, overweight, work requiring high physical activity, athletes and genetic familial predisposition. Knee arthritis is one of the most common joint disorders. It affects approximately 10-13 percent of men aged 60 and over and 13-19 percent of women. Anterior cruciate ligament injuries are particularly common in athletes, affecting approximately 70 per 100,000 people per year in the general population, with a higher rate in certain sports such as soccer and basketball. Meniscal tears are particularly common among older adults and athletes. Studies show that about 35 percent of people over the age of 50 have meniscal damage, often without symptoms.
Prof. Serdar Hakan Başaran, Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist, Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, notes that knee pain usually occurs in childhood and adolescence (10-19 years) in the form of sports injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament, meniscus injuries and cartilage damage.
Prof. Dr. Başaran stated that between the ages of 40-60, age-related wear and tear can lead to calcification, “In adults over the age of 60, calcification is most common, causing pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. In general, knee problems can start at any age, but especially degenerative conditions such as arthritis become more common and more pronounced with age. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active and avoiding injuries can help reduce the risk of knee problems throughout life.”
Prof. Dr. Serdar Hakan Başaran emphasized that some common mistakes contribute to the development of knee diseases, “Not warming up properly before starting physical activities can increase the risk of knee injury. Similarly, not stretching enough can lead to muscle tension and imbalances, putting extra pressure on the knees. Repetitive movements, especially jumping or skipping, can lead to overuse injuries such as tendonitis or bursitis. Wrong landing technique while jumping, wrong falling technique or wrong posture and movement techniques during sports can cause excessive stress on the knees.”
“Wrong shoes can cause knee problems”
Stating that the use of incorrect footwear is also an important factor in knee problems, Başaran said, “Wearing shoes that do not provide proper support or are not suitable for a particular activity can affect the alignment and mechanics of the entire leg, leading to knee problems. Not resting and overcoming the pain instead of investigating the underlying problem can exacerbate knee problems and lead to more serious conditions. Suddenly increasing the intensity, duration or frequency of physical activity without allowing the body to adapt can cause knee injuries.”
Underlining that a specialist should definitely be consulted in case of knee pain, Başaran said, “Avoiding or delaying consultation with health professionals when knee pain occurs can cause minor problems to turn into more serious situations. By being aware of these common mistakes and taking conscious measures to avoid them, individuals can help protect their knees and reduce the risk of developing knee diseases.”
“Knee replacement surgeries should not be feared”
Prof. Dr. Serdar Hakan Başaran, arguing that knee replacement surgeries should not be feared, said, “These surgeries provide very important benefits for those suffering from severe knee pain and dysfunction. Consulting an orthopedic traumatologist, understanding the risks and benefits, and preparing for the recovery process can help ensure a successful outcome. Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure that involves replacing a damaged, worn or diseased knee joint with an artificial joint (prosthesis). This surgery is typically performed to relieve pain and restore function in patients with severe knee arthritis. In the case of arthritis, persistent pain, swelling, stiffness and night pain that limits daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, sitting or getting up from a chair. In the case of arthritis, when medications and other treatments do not adequately control symptoms, long-term joint pain and dysfunction following a serious knee injury such as a fracture or ligament tear, blood supply disorders where the bone and cartilage in the knee joint have been significantly damaged. Persistent knee pain and inability to perform daily activities that do not respond to medications, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections or other non-surgical treatments. In cases such as pain and functional impairment caused by severe curvatures of the knee. Severe stiffness or immobility of the knee joint that limits range of motion and affects the ability to perform daily activities. Knee pain severe enough to prevent sleep. We recommend knee replacement surgery in cases such as chronic pain that affects mental health and causes depression or anxiety.”
“Technological developments in knee replacement surgeries make us smile”
Prof. Dr. Serdar Hakan Başaran pointed out that innovations in knee replacement surgery have significantly improved surgical outcomes and said:
“Robotic systems help surgeons plan and execute knee replacement procedures with high precision.
These systems create a 3D model of the patient's knee, allowing for personalized surgical planning and more accurate placement of the prosthesis. Robotic assistance facilitates minimally invasive approaches, which reduces soft tissue damage, post-operative pain and recovery time. These innovations in knee replacement surgery are constantly evolving, driven by advances in technology, materials science and medical research.
They promise better surgical outcomes, shorter recovery times and longer-lasting knee replacements, ultimately improving the quality of life of patients undergoing these procedures.”
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