Calcification of the bones can be defined as the formation of bone tissue at the edges or certain parts of the bone due to calcium deposits. This condition can be caused by various things and the treatment can be done independently or through medical action.
Calcification of bones can be caused by various things. However, one of the main causes is osteoarthritis. This condition is characterized by joint inflammation that occurs due to thinning of the bearing at the ends of the bones.
Calcification of the bones often appears without symptoms. However, if the condition causes damage to surrounding structures, such as muscles and ligaments, symptoms such as pain and lumps may occur.
Liming is also often detected during routine health checks and bone X-rays.
Conditions That Cause Calcification of the Bones
The cause of bone calcification is not known with certainty. However, there are several factors that are thought to increase the risk of bone calcification, including:
Age factor
Age factors affect a person's likelihood of developing bone calcification due to osteoarthritis. This is because joint conditions and bone strength generally decrease with age.
Daily activities
Dense activities and daily routines also allow the joints to be under excessive pressure in the long term. For example, the activity of lifting heavy objects continuously has the risk of causing injury that triggers the occurrence of osteoarthritis which causes bone calcification.
Disease history
Several types of diseases, such as diabetes and hemochromatosis, can cause bone calcification due to osteoarthritis. Obesity can also cause this condition, because of the excessive load on the joints that support the body's weight.
Handling Calcification of Bones Independently
There are several ways that can be done to reduce the symptoms caused by calcification of the bones, including:
1. Lose weight
Being overweight is known to affect joint health, especially the joints in the legs. This is because the joints in this area must support a heavier body weight.
Joints that are subjected to excessive stress can worsen the calcification of the bones suffered. Therefore, you can try various ways to lose weight.
2. Exercise regularly
Regular exercise is important to do to strengthen the muscles around the joints that experience calcification. This will make the joints more stable, thus reducing the severity of osteoarthritis.
Make sure the exercise is not done excessively because it will only worsen the problem suffered. You can consult a doctor to find out the right exercise according to your condition.
3. Using a warm or cold compress
Calcification of the bones due to osteoarthritis can cause pain or tenderness. Therefore, you can use a warm compress or cold water to relieve it.
Using a warm compress is beneficial for relaxing muscles, while a cold compress can relieve cramps and muscle aches.
4. Taking painkillers
The use of painkillers in the form of creams or gels that are sold freely in pharmacies can also be done. Pain relief creams or gels are suitable for use on joints close to the surface of the skin, such as joints in the knees and fingers.
5. Using assistive devices
Assistive devices, such as sticks, are needed to make it easier for people with calcification of the bones during activities. The use of assistive devices is generally used for conditions of severe bone and joint damage. However, to determine the right type of assistive device, consult a doctor.
Treatment of Calcification of Bones Through Medical Action
In addition to several independent actions above, there are also medical actions that can be taken to treat calcification of the bones, including:
Consumption of drugs
To overcome the pain that arises due to calcification of the bones, the doctor may prescribe pain relievers, such as paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Physiotherapy
Physical therapy or physiotherapy aims to improve the ability to move and reduce pain. This therapy is known to be able to strengthen the muscles around the joints that experience thinning.
Occupational therapy
Through occupational therapy, patients are trained to be able to carry out activities independently without the help of others, regardless of the condition of calcification of the bones experienced. The therapist will explain how to perform daily activities without the excessive pain caused by calcification of the bones.
In addition to the three things above, patients can also wear footwear with special pads that can reduce joint pain when standing or walking.
If the things above have been applied but the condition does not improve, the doctor will advise you to undergo certain procedures, such as corticosteroid injections or surgery to replace damaged joints.
In conditions of severe calcification of bones, treatment can no longer be done only by changing lifestyle. Consult your doctor about treatment options that suit your condition.