Osteoarthritis In Athletes

Though most types of arthritis - but mainly osteoarthritis - is related to aging, it can some times develop earlier in a joint that has been subjected to acute trauma/injury or repeated stress - making athletes the perfect target.

Some Facts

The soccer player is at risk of osteoarthritic changes in the feet and ankles. Football players may result with the condition in the knees and neck. Pitchers may be afflicted in the elbows and ballet dancers' big toes may become the target.

The parts of the body most used by certain types of athletes - or most prone to injuries - seem to be where osteoarthritis settles. When the damage of injury occurs, body weight may become unbalanced resulting in even further stress.

Athletes' injuries that can lead to osteoarthritis not only includes joint injuries, but broken bones, ruptured ligaments, torn meniscus, and the list goes on. The list of different types of injuries is definitely not a limited one.

For further information see about injury.

Preventative Measures

Prevention of osteoarthritis in athletes requires careful preparation in order to avoid injury. This includes appropriate training schedules and stretching and strengthening programs.

Early and appropriate treatment of any joint injury is essential, as is trying to correct or compensate for any biomechanical imbalances that may impose excess stress on a joint. It is also necessary to avoid stressing an already injured joint.

Do not participate when fatigued; fatigued muscles cannot provide enough protection to joints. Given the increased incidence of osteoarthritis with aging, the athlete who participates a long time in a sport is subject to developing this problem. However. with early recognition and appropriate treatment, it is possible to minimize the adverse effects of osteoarthritis in the athlete.

Treatments for Athletes

The extent of treatment including rest, therapy and rehabilitation depends on which joint is affected and the degree of involvement. Modifying the type and extent of athletic activity may also be necessary. It is of utmost importance that treatment starts early into the condition in order for the athlete to enjoy a long career, and a long life of mobility.

In severe cases. medication either through oral anti-intlammatories or occasional injections into a painful joint may be needed. If severe osteoarthritis develops, surgical correction is sometimes required.

The objectives of short-term treatment should be the relief of pain and of localized stiffness.

Long-term goals should be the continued relief of pain and stiffness and the prevention of permanent stiffness or deformity. Your doctor will be able to determine a proper therapy regimen suited to your needs.

For further treatments see arthritis.