Yeditepe University Hospitals Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Gökhan Meriç pointed out that vitamin D deficiency causes weakening of the bones and reminded that this condition causes osteomalacia (bone softening) in adults and rickets in children. He underlined that vitamin D is especially helpful in preventing osteoporosis (osteoporosis).

Causes Calcification

Although the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency vary from person to person, joint pain, fatigue, muscle pain and weakness, bone pain, numbness, and low mood are the most typical symptoms. Prof. Dr. Gökhan Meriç stated that there is research that vitamin D is particularly associated with joint pain and osteoarthritis (calcification) and continued his words as follows: "Some studies show that low vitamin D levels may cause increased joint and muscle pain. In 158 patients with advanced cartilage wear in their knees, the degree of cartilage wear was compared with vitamin D levels. In this study of people over 50 years of age with varying degrees of knee pain, many of the patients with vitamin D deficiency had signs of advanced arthritis."

Pointing out that the vitamin D level of patients with arthritis in the knee should be examined, Yeditepe University Hospitals Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Gökhan Meriç said, "Vitamin D deficiency should also be treated while arthritis is treated." 

Do Not Use Vitamin D Unless Recommended by a Doctor

Yeditepe University Hospitals Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Gökhan Meriç said, "Vegetarians or older adults may also have difficulty getting enough vitamin D, especially in winter. In this case, it would be right to consult a specialist and take the vitamin D supplement recommended by the physician. However, it should not be forgotten that too much vitamin D can cause harm and even poisoning. Vitamin D should not be used unless recommended by a doctor." 

A Lifestyle Change is Essential

Prof. Dr. Gökhan Meriç said that patients with arthritis should make lifestyle changes to both support their health and alleviate symptoms: "Regular, gentle exercise and stretching of the affected joint, paying attention to total body weight, losing weight if there is excess weight, avoiding heavy work on the knee and quitting smoking."