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Osteoarthritis in sport
Osteoarthritis in sport and how we might be able to treat it
About osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a joint condition that occurs when the cartilage surfaces of a joint, and the bone underlying it, begin to breakdown.
Whilst all joints will tend to ‘wear’ this way through advancing age, injuries accrued through sport can sometimes accelerate this process.
Need to know
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).
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.