Sports Injury Prevention Said Key to Avoiding Osteoarthritis

The Arthritis Foundation says weight control, regular physical activity and sports injury prevention are key to preventing osteoarthritis later in life.

A recent study found that a single knee injury can increase the risk for osteoarthritis as much as five times later in life. A hip injury can triple that risk.

More than 775,000 sports-related injuries result in a trip to the emergency room each year, said Dr. John H. Klippel, the foundation's medical director. But he also noted that physical activity also can work to stabilize and strengthen those joints most often affected by the disease.

"Today's young athletes may become tomorrow's osteoarthritis patients unless parents, coaches and children take an active role in sports injury prevention," Klippel said.

He offers parents and coaches these tips to help lower a child's risk of arthritis from sports-related injuries.

• Make sure equipment is in good condition.
• Participate in activities that provide total body fitness.
• Participate in age-appropriate activities.
• Allow injuries to completely heal.

Other sources: Arthritis Foundation