One in four retired Olympians reported a diagnosis of osteoarthritis, the form of arthritis that causes changes in the joint and can lead to discomfort, pain and disability, the research found.
Elite retired sportspeople who had experienced a sports-related injury had a higher chance of knee and hip osteoarthritis when compared with the general population.
The athletes – who had competed at an Olympic level in 57 sports including athletics, rowing and skiing – also had an increased risk of lower back pain overall, and shoulder osteoarthritis after a shoulder injury.
Researchers hope the findings will help develop new approaches in injury prevention for the benefit of athletes now and in retirement.
The study – led by a University of Edinburgh based researcher – is the largest international survey of its kind, and the first to observe the consequences of osteoarthritis and pain in different joints from retired elite athletes across different summer and winter Olympic sports.
Wellness Secrets of a SuperAger 
Overuse and repetitive motion is to blame for these conditions. All the training hours put in for the actual events are the major problem. This is what Henry Solomon, M.D. was referring to in his book “The Exercise Myth” when he explains the risk/reward aspect of exercise concerning professional and Olympic level athletes training methods as opposed to the average Joe and Jane’s workout regimen. If your plan is to trade your long term health for Olympic gold or a big professional or endorsement contract then it might make some sense but if you have a regular job and a regular life but want to train that way just so you’ll LOOK like they do or for some meaninglessness bauble it’s not only fool’s gold but can be downright damaging to your health and body. This study is proof positive of that.
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Interesting. Thanks for sharing that.
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