Osteoarthritis in sport

Osteoarthritis in our joints can bring out stiffness and swelling in the joints, pain after exercise (sometimes even a day or two later), and when severe, it can cause sport to be very painful. Sometimes it becomes difficult to perform a movement well in sport, and lead to a loss of performance.

Your consultant will assess you carefully and examine you, which may include watching you move, and accessing any limitations or muscle weakness. You may need to undergo diagnostic imaging such as an X-Ray or MRI scan.

The good news is, movement and strength building has been shown to beneficial in managing the symptoms of osteoarthritis, although you may be advised on modifiying you exercise. Physiotherapy and osteopathy are frequently recommended, and sometimes a joint injection (such as a guided corticosteroid injection) may be advised to help reduce swelling an assist with rehabilitation. You will be advised on the best way to return to your sport. In very severe cases which are not progressing with conservative treatment, surgery may be recommend (e.g. keyhole or joint replacement surgery).