Sports participation, sports injuries and osteoarthritis: implications for prevention.

Abstract

There is increasing concern that too much physical activity may lead to osteoarthritis. The continuous stress that physical activity places on the joints can result in microtrauma and degeneration of the articular cartilage. However, the onset of osteoarthritis appears to depend on the frequency, intensity and duration of physical activity. Research has shown that individuals of all ages can tolerate moderate amounts of exercise without adverse consequences or accelerated development of osteoarthritis. However, excessive participation in high impact sports, particularly over a long period of time and at an elite level, can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis. Participants may also..