Sports Medicine Insights: Understanding Osteoarthritis in Athletes

Athletes are known for their strength, endurance, and dedication to staying active — but even the fittest individuals aren’t immune to joint problems. One of the most common orthopedic concerns among active individuals is arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis.

At Arthritis & Sports in Northern Virginia, our fellowship-trained surgeons and rehabilitation specialists help athletes of all levels manage joint pain, recover from injuries, and prevent long-term damage. Understanding how arthritis develops and how to treat it is the first step toward maintaining lifelong joint health.

What Is Arthritis in Athletes?

When we talk about arthritis in athletes, we’re usually referring to osteoarthritis (OA) — a degenerative joint condition that causes the breakdown of cartilage, the smooth tissue that cushions bones within a joint. Osteoarthritis differs from rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease that attacks the joint lining (synovium) rather than the cartilage itself.

As cartilage wears away, bones can rub together, leading to pain, stiffness, inflammation, and loss of motion. Over time, this rubbing can cause swelling and further joint damage, especially in high-impact joints such as the knees, hips, shoulders, and ankles.

Common Symptoms of Osteoarthritis in Athletes:

• Joint pain after physical activity or periods of inactivity

• Stiffness, particularly in the morning or after rest

• Swelling or tenderness around the joint

• Reduced flexibility or range of motion

• A feeling of grinding or clicking during movement

Left untreated, these symptoms can limit performance and make it difficult to stay active.

How Sports and Exercise Can Contribute to Arthritis

Athletic activity provides tremendous health benefits — but repetitive stress, impact, or previous injuries can increase your risk of early-onset arthritis. Even young and healthy athletes can develop joint degeneration following trauma or overuse.

According to the CDC, more than 8 million adults between the ages of 18 to 44 have been diagnosed with arthritis, and sports-related injuries are a leading factor in early development.

Common Sports Injuries That May Lead to Arthritis

• ACL tears (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) – can cause instability and damage to surrounding cartilage

• Meniscus tears – often result in uneven joint wear

• Dislocations – can damage cartilage and joint surfaces

• Fractures near joints – may heal unevenly, altering joint mechanics

• Direct cartilage injuries – from collisions or repetitive impact sports like running, basketball, or soccer

Managing Arthritis in Athletes

If you’ve been diagnosed with arthritis or are experiencing persistent joint pain, early intervention is key. At Arthritis & Sports, our orthopedic team creates personalized treatment plans to alleviate pain, restore mobility, and help you stay active.

Recommended Treatment and Management Strategies:

• Physical therapy: strengthen muscles supporting the joint and improve stability

• Low-impact exercise: swimming, cycling, and walking help maintain flexibility without overloading joints

• Weight management: maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on weight-bearing joints

• Pain management:

  • Apply heat to relax muscles and improve circulation

  • Use cold packs to decrease inflammation

  • Take NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) as advised by your physician

• Activity modification: avoid overtraining and allow adequate rest between workouts

• Advanced therapies: treatments like iovera, viscosupplementation, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can stimulate healing and reduce inflammation

For more severe cases, minimally invasive procedures or joint replacement surgery may be necessary to restore function and quality of life.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Arthritis

Preventing arthritis starts with protecting your joints and properly managing sports injuries when they occur. Returning to play too soon after an injury can cause long-term damage that accelerates cartilage breakdown.

Tips for Prevention:

• Always warm up and cool down before and after exercise.

• Follow your rehabilitation plan completely after an injury.

• Work with a sports medicine specialist to identify muscular or gait imbalances.

• Use proper footwear and technique for your sport.

• Stay hydrated and maintain a nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory diet.

• Schedule regular orthopedic evaluations—especially if you’ve had previous joint injuries.

Our expert physical therapists and orthopedic specialists can help identify movement patterns that put stress on your joints and guide you toward better alignment and form to prevent re-injury.

Advanced Care for Athletes at Arthritis & Sports

At Arthritis & Sports Orthopaedics, we’re proud to offer one of the most comprehensive orthopedic and sports medicine programs in the region. From diagnosis and imaging to rehabilitation and regenerative therapy, our team provides the expertise and technology you need to stay active and pain-free.

Our services include:

• Fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons

• In-house imaging and diagnostic testing

• Advanced non-operative treatments

• Physical therapy and rehabilitation programs

• Massage therapy and MLS Laser Therapy

Whether you’re a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, we’ll help you move better, feel stronger, and return to the activities you love.

Take Control of Your Joint Health

If you’re struggling with joint pain, stiffness, or limited mobility, don’t wait to seek help. Early diagnosis and proper management can make all the difference in your long-term athletic performance and joint health.

Contact Arthritis & Sports today to schedule a consultation with one of our award-winning orthopedic specialists. Let our team help you stay active, pain-free, and performing at your best.

📍 Serving patients in Sterling, South Riding, and surrounding communities.