Arthritis In Athletes: How Common Is It And What Causes It?

Can Athletes Continue Competing After Diagnosing Arthritis?

Athletes are considered the fittest, with an active lifestyle and a lot of physical activity. They invest a significant chunk of their time in being physically active in the best way possible, be it hitting the gym, swimming, marathon, wrestling and gymnastics. Besides the rigorous physical activity, they also maintain a good diet; they provide their body the best nutrition. Despite taking such good care of their bodies, Athletes can still suffer from physical issues like Arthritis. This article will discover how joint arthritis is in athletes and what causes it. Can Athletes Continue Competing After Diagnosis?

Arthritis In Athletes

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of Arthritis that Athletes suffer from. It is a type of arthritis in which the joint cartilage wears away. Osteoarthritis can be painful and cause swelling and stiffness in the person suffering from it. As we all know, cartilage is the cushion that protects the bones from joint movements. Osteoarthritis usually affects athletes' knees and is caused by injuries or overuse of joints.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis is a type of osteoarthritis that can develop after significant injuries. Sometimes, symptoms of Post-Traumatic Arthritis can appear long after the initial injury. Tears in ligaments, fractures, and dislocations can all lead to Post-Traumatic Arthritis.

What Exactly Causes Arthritis In Athletes?

Several factors contribute to the development of arthritis in athletes. The most significant cause is repetitive joint stress, osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis among athletes.

• Athletes playing contact sports are very prone to suffering from arthritis. Contact sports are messy and quick, and when on the field, an athlete or player is focused on their game. With a crowd of strong athletes playing together against each other, injuries such as sprains, fractures, and ligament tears are prone to happen. When not treated properly, these injuries can lead to arthritis.
• Players tend to develop arthritis in later life from games like basketball, football, and rugby. Even in high-endurance sports like marathons or cycling, repetitive motions in joints can cause arthritis. The cartilage wears off, leading to this injury in high-endurance sports.

Can Athletes Continue Competing After Diagnosis?

Although arthritis usually develops in athletes after retirement, young athletes can be diagnosed with arthritis. With early diagnosis, proper medication, physical therapy, and sometimes even surgery, athletes can continue their athletic careers. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroid injections may be prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation. They may need to alter their practice sessions or the intensity of the training, but they can still play professional sports after arthritis diagnosis. While arthritis is common among athletes, it is not necessarily a career-ending condition.