What increases the risk of knee osteoarthritis, especially in athletes?

Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can be influenced by various factors, particularly in athletes who engage in high-impact sports. High-impact sports and previous joint injuries significantly elevate the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis.

Athletes involved in sports that require repetitive stress on the knees—such as running, basketball, or soccer—often experience physical wear and tear on the joint cartilage over time. This repetitive strain can lead to microtraumas in the cartilage, making it more susceptible to degeneration. Additionally, athletes who have a history of knee injuries (for example, ligament tears or meniscus injuries) are at a greater risk. These injuries can disrupt the normal functioning and stability of the knee joint, which can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis later in life.

In contrast, low-impact exercises and regular stretching tend to be protective of joint health and are generally recommended for maintaining joint function and mobility. Weight training, when properly managed and not performed excessively high-impact, can also be beneficial for strengthening the musculature around the knee, thereby reducing the risk of injury and joint deterioration. Therefore, the combination of high-impact sports and previous joint injuries is a critical factor in understanding the increased risk of knee osteoarthritis in athletes.