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When Sports Injuries Lead to Arthritis in Joints

In the rush to get back in the game, whether as part of a team or elite sport or simply a cherished recreational activity like jogging or tennis, it is tempting to short-circuit the rehabilitation needed to allow the joint to heal fully. But adequate recovery, including rehab measures aimed at strengthening structures that support the injured joint, is critical to maximize its stability, reduce the risk of reinjury and head off irreparable joint damage. And you don’t have to be a senior citizen to pay the price of failing to build up the tissues that help protect that joint. Studies have shown that when an adolescent or young adult sustains a knee injury, for example, X-ray evidence of arthritis…

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Articles of Interest

Why do I sprain my ankle so often? And how can I cut the risk of it happening again?

Strong evidence from studies suggests once people sprain their ankle, they are more likely to re-sprain it. As one review of the evidence put it: a history of lateral ankle sprain is known to disrupt the structural integrity of the ligaments and sensorimotor function, likely impairing an individual’s ability to avoid injurious situations.

Avoiding Joint Injuries

Most sports-related injuries involve damage to the joints. Common joint injuries include a twisted ankle, sprained wrist, overextended elbow, and damaged knee ligaments. Fortunately, you can take steps to help prevent joint damage. When exercising for health and fitness, you can be more at risk for overuse injuries, experts say. Fortunately, you can build strength in your joints and avoid joint injuries by stretching and exercising correctly.

Common Joint Injuries

Common joint injuries include shoulder injuries, elbow injuries, and knee injuries.

Common joint injuries and conditions

Overuse injuries from repetitive motion are a common cause of problems like tendonitis and stress fractures. Overuse combined with age-related wear and tear on the joints can increase the risk of osteoarthritis. Traumatic injuries (accidental or sports-related injuries) are the usual cause of acute injuries, such as broken bones, sprains, and dislocations.

Doctors' New Advice for Joint Pain: Get Moving

The new treatment approach comes as osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease once considered a problem of old age, has begun showing up in more middle-aged and young adults as a result of obesity and sports injuries.

Most Common Joint Injuries and How to Prevent Them

We can run, throw a ball, glide through water, and flip in the air because our joints help us move freely. The joints that support your wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, and ankles are finely-tuned mechanisms. They work stunningly well — until they don’t. You can sustain joint injuries in a car accident or on the pitching mound. Some injuries you may not be able to prevent. Others — such as those from sport-specific overuse — you have a better chance against.

What to do after a joint injury—and when to seek care

Waiting too long to seek treatment could make the problem worse.