Can Sports Injuries Cause Arthritis?

There are numerous causes of arthritis, but did you think sports could be one of them? Sports injuries are why so many athletes face joint problems or other kinds of chronic pain associated with arthritis.

There are hundreds of conditions that fall under the arthritis category. Of them, osteoarthritis, or “wear-and-tear arthritis”, is the most common. It’s also the kind that is most likely to form after a sports-related injury. Athletes who suffer from ligament tears, fractures that go through the joints or bruised cartilage are more susceptible to arthritis. These kinds of injuries will affect the way joints, like knees and wrists, move. These irregular movements can cause stress that leads to erosion of cartilage and surfaces in joints, which in turn leads to swelling, inflammation, and pain.

Prevention is the best way to keep injuries from turning into arthritis. Use all sports equipment properly and make sure you are warmed up well before starting any kind of physical activity. If you already have a sports injury, it is important to take care of it to prevent developing an arthritic condition. It’s important not to over-exert yourself and try to push your injured joint too hard before having a chance to heal properly. Take some time to allow your body to restore itself before rushing back onto the court or field.

Following a sports injury, a physical therapist that specializes in orthopedics can evaluate muscle strength, endurance, balance as well as movement quality, then help you restore maximum function, manage pain, and prevent recurrent injuries. Complete the contact form or call (804) 764-1000 to learn how a Sheltering Arms therapist can help you get back in the game.

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is the use of a very thin filament (needle) to address areas of muscle tension and pain. The purpose is to relieve pain by increasing blood flow to the muscles and joints, helping nerves become less irritated, and encouraging the relaxation of muscles. Dry needling addresses musculoskeletal issues by targeting muscle trigger points to alleviate pain and muscle tightness, while acupuncture uses needles at specific points along energy pathways to address the body’s overall health and energy.

Smartphone Apps to Help Spinal Cord Injury Patients

In contemporary life, we as individuals and communities are constantly connected to each other. We crave social interaction, leisure activities, and access to each other as well as the world around us. Over the past decades, modern technologies such as smartphones have facilitated our desire to engage not only in communication with each other, but with our environment as well.

Managing and Preventing Incontinence with Physical Therapy

More than 25 million adult Americans suffer from incontinence. Men and women are often embarrassed to seek treatment for loss of bladder or bowel control. Urinary and fecal incontinence can cause low self-esteem, create social isolation, and impair quality of life. Incontinence is the lack of voluntary control over urination or defecation. There are two major types of incontinence and they are treated differently.

Backpack Safety

Backpacks are a convenient way for students to carry around their schoolbooks and supplies throughout the day, but using them incorrectly can lead to serious muscle and joint injuries. Carrying a heavy load can strain the shoulders, back, and neck. As a result, the body tries to compensate by leaning forward or sideways, which can lead to misalignment of the spine and weakening of muscles.

How to Keep Your Wheelchair Running Smoothly

Poor wheelchair maintenance can increase the risk of your wheelchair breaking down, which can lead to personal injury or even death, and increase the cost of your medical care. Additionally, wheelchair breakdown can limit your mobility and social participation. Here are tips to keep your wheelchair running smoothly.

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.