Understanding Athletic Knee Osteoarthritis: Why you matter to us
Athletic knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a growing concern among active individuals—especially former athletes, runners, and those involved in high-impact sports. Unlike age-related OA, athletic knee OA often results from repetitive joint stress, previous injuries (like ACL tears or meniscus damage), and long-term overuse, leading to gradual wear and tear of the knee joint cartilage.
What is Athletic Knee OA?
Knee OA is a degenerative condition where the articular cartilage in the knee gradually breaks down, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced function. In athletes, it’s often unilateral, progresses earlier in life, and may be linked to years of intense training or competition.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain with activity (especially running or squatting)
- Morning stiffness or stiffness after inactivity
- Clicking or grinding sensations
- Decreased performance or training tolerance
Why is Physiotherapy Important?
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in both conservative and post-operative management of athletic knee OA. Unlike passive treatments, physiotherapy aims to restore function, reduce pain, and prolong joint health—helping patients remain active for longer.
Key physiotherapy goals include:
-
- Strengthening the quadriceps and glutes to support knee mechanics
- Improving mobility and joint range of motion
- Enhancing neuromuscular control and balance
- Reducing joint loading through gait retraining and activity modification
- Educating athletes on smart training techniques and recovery
The Takeaway:
Athletic knee OA doesn’t have to mean the end of an active lifestyle. With the right physiotherapy support, athletes can manage their symptoms, prevent progression, and return to doing what they love—whether that’s training, hiking, or simply staying mobile.
Stay strong, move smart, and protect your knees.
