Can playing sport lead to knee osteoarthritis?
Written in association with:
Orthopaedic surgeon
Published: 18/05/2022
Edited by: Conor Lynch
In this informative article, revered orthopaedic and trauma surgeon Mr Jehangir Mahaluxmivala discusses the relationship between sport and knee osteoarthritis, whilst also revealing what specific sports are most recommended after one undergoes total knee replacement surgery.
Am I at a higher risk of knee osteoarthritis if I play sport?
It's a misconception that playing sport as a young person will lead to severe osteoarthritis of the knee. Many patients who have had a knee replacement have reported not being very sporty in their younger days.
I didn’t play sport when I was younger, so why did I get such severe osteoarthritis in my knee?
Some degree of familial tendency to developing severe osteoarthritis does exist. If parents of patients have had knee replacements or severe osteoarthritis of the knee in the past, then the chances of developing severe osteoarthritis is more likely, but by no means certain, for some patients.
Is there such thing as being too young for total knee replacement surgery?
Adults of all ages can undergo total knee replacement. Younger patients can also undergo total knee replacement surgery, provided the patient is adequately counselled on the surgery and fits all the correct criteria for this surgery.
What sports are recommended after total knee replacement surgery?
Golf Swimming Gym work (especially upper body) Doubles tennis and doubles badminton, and; Skiing;are all recommended.
What should I avoid doing after surgery?
Heavy lifting as well as sports which have a high risk of falls and injuries on a regular basis are not advised.
Mr Jehangir Mahaluxmivala is an expert when it comes to treating knee osteoarthritis as well as performing total knee replacement surgery. Contact him today via his Top Doctors profile to schedule an appointment with him.