Most people usually associate OsteoArthritis with people who have reached the age of 65 or older. In most cases, this would be correct. OsteoArthritis is a degenerative condition that affects the cartilage in joints throughout the body. Over time, the cartilage begins to deteriorate and wear out resulting in pain and swelling in the joint.
However, there are cases when those much younger than 65 begin to develop OsteoArthritis in their knees, ankles, hips and other weight bearing joints. More often than not, this earlier development of OsteoArthritis stems from an injury experienced while playing a sport or engaging in intense physical activity over a long period of time.
Any trauma to a joint such as a sports injury can trigger OsteoArthritis, especially injuries that include torn cartilage, dislocated joints, or ligament injuries. Trauma to the knee, such as ACL strains or tears can definitely increase the risk of development of OsteoArthritis down the road.
There are studies that show that individuals at all ages can handle a certain amount of exercise just fine without any negative effects or consequences. However, the same research shows that when a person continues to participate in high impact sports over a long period of time, it greatly increases the development of OsteoArthritis. This is true of those who participate at an elite level such as college and professional sports.
In addition to those who play sports at an advanced level, even those who engage in sports or other physical activity at a more novice level can still be at risk for early development of OsteoArthritis from sports injuries. A person might be at risk if they have an abnormal joint anatomy for example, or if they are overweight. This extra pressure and stress on the joint can lead to the premature breakdown of the cartilage in that joint.
For those of you who may have sustained an injury at an early age from playing sports and had surgery to correct the issue, you may also see an early onset of OsteoArthritis.
The good news is, there is treatment that can help you manage the pain or other side effects of OsteoArthritis. The OsteoArthritis of the Knee Program offered at Arrowhead Health Centers, was developed to reduce or eliminate knee pain fast. We are the only medical facility in the area that combines hyaluronic acid injections under an advanced motion X-ray unit and Theraciser rehabilitation program. Arrowhead Health Centers’ program has already proven highly successful for many knee pain sufferers searching for an effective, less invasive and less painful alternative to knee replacement surgery.
To learn more about our unique program, please give us a call at 623-334-4000, extension 9. We also provide free seminars to explain the program in more detail. Ask how you can reserve your spot at the next seminar when you call.
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