Osteoarthritis is a condition affecting the joints, where cartilage gets worn away leading to inflammation, swelling, stiffness and pain. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis it is not an autoimmune condition but more heavily influenced by environmental factors.

Joint pain and stiffness is something that concerns us all as we age. In severe cases these symptoms can lead to a large reduction in functional ability and independence. Therefore it is in our best interest to analyse current literature in order to educate ourselves on what we can do to reduce our risk of developing osteoarthritis. Luckily that’s what the One Precious Life blogging platform is here for!

A recent study suggested that former elite athletes may be at greater risk of developing osteoarthritis (Iosifidis et al., 2014). The data suggested that former athletes may display significantly increased prevalence of the condition. These findings may provide insight into the potential for increased prevalence with excessive exercise. It is important to note that former athletes who did not suffer from major bone or soft tissue trauma did not display significantly increased prevalence, however the likelihood of an individual engaging in regular competitive physical activity and avoiding these injuries is fairly low.

So what can we conclude? Research strongly suggests that risk of osteoarthritis is increased with sub-optimal biomechanics, previous injury and excessive use so it’s no real surprise that athletes who are required to train, some may argue excessively, repetitively performing the same movement patterns, and who stereotypically suffer numerous injuries throughout their careers dependant on sport are going to experience some kind of cartilage degradation and may increase risk of osteoarthritis later on in life.

For the general population however I’d suggest concentrating on several key areas:
1.) If you experience pain when completing activity, see a medical practitioner, you may have sub-optimal biomechanics leading to excessive force being placed upon joints.
2.) If you play competitive sport take all precautions necessary to prevent injury.
3.) Get strong. Activity may actually prevent the onset of osteoarthritis in the right amount through strengthening of muscles and joints, despite common misconception that running may increase risk (Cymet and Sinkov, 2006)
4.) Consume a healthy diet in order to support muscular and bone health

Jack Barton (Researcher, Rescon Ltd)

References
Cymet, T. C., & Sinkov, V. (2006). Does long-distance running cause osteoarthritis?. JAOA: Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 106(6), 342-345.
Iosifidis, M. I., Tsarouhas, A., & Fylaktou, A. (2014). Lower limb clinical and radiographic osteoarthritis in former elite male athletes. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy, 1-8.