Associate Professor Dr. Ömer Şevgin has issued a stark warning about the growing dangers of physical inactivity, describing it as one of the most serious health threats of the modern era.

“Technology and modern work culture have made people more inactive than ever. This comfort, however, comes at a high cost to our health.A sedentary lifestyle weakens muscles, slows metabolism, and increases the risk of arthritis and other chronic illnesses,” Dr. Şevgin said. 

Arthritis: A silent enemy of the joints

Describing arthritis as “the enemy of the joints,” Dr. Şevgin noted that it causes pain, swelling, redness, and restricted movement, significantly reducing quality of life. “The most common types are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis,” he explained.

He emphasized that while genetics can play a role, lifestyle factors are the main determinants of joint health: “Overloading the joints, repetitive strain, and working in poorly designed environments gradually wear down joint surfaces, triggering irreversible damage. Everyday habits such as carrying heavy bags, performing tasks single-handedly, or skipping rest breaks contribute to this process.”

Women more vulnerable

Dr. Şevgin observed that arthritis is more prevalent among women, especially after menopause. “The decline in estrogen levels after menopause increases the susceptibility of joints to damage,” he said.

“Where there is movement, there is health”

Referencing the Turkish proverb ‘A working iron never rusts,’ Dr. Şevgin highlighted the critical importance of movement in maintaining joint health. “Modern life has confined people to desks and screens. Long sitting hours, limited activity, and weight gain lead to joint stiffness and muscle weakness, all of which heighten the risk of arthritis,” he warned.

Early physiotherapy key to managing arthritis

Underlining the importance of timely intervention, Dr. Şevgin stated that physiotherapy plays a vital role at every stage of arthritis management. “While physiotherapy cannot reverse existing deformities, it can significantly slow their progression by reducing pain, minimizing inflammation, and improving mobility,” he said.

He recommended low-impact and joint-friendly exercises such as stretching, aquatic therapy, and calisthenic movements. “Exercise is a form of medicine — it has its own dosage, frequency, and duration. Therefore, it should always be planned under professional guidance,” he added.

Weather sensitivity and new treatment approaches

Dr. Şevgin noted that arthritis symptoms tend to worsen in cold and humid weather, possibly due to changes in air pressure and reduced sunlight exposure, which can decrease vitamin D levels.

Addressing emerging treatments, he said: “Many new therapies focus primarily on pain management and improving quality of life. While these methods provide temporary relief, they are not curative. The most effective and sustainable approach remains lifestyle modification — staying active, maintaining good posture, and protecting joint health.”

He concluded with a clear message: “The best doctor for arthritis is the patient themselves — by choosing movement over comfort and health over convenience.”(ILKHA)