When I was fourteen years old I was playing a game of baseball like I’ve been doing for the last 10 years. In that game specifically, something happened that changed how I was going to play going forward-- I broke my finger. This triggered my immune system, causing it to go into overdrive and therefore causing me to get arthritis a lot sooner than I ever expected. Now at the age of sixteen, I live with arthritis and have to play the game I’ve known for years completely different. Living an active lifestyle is often associated with plenty of health benefits, but for individuals dealing with arthritis, the relationship between sports and joint health can be more complex. While physical activity like sports and hobbies are generally encouraged for overall well-being, it's crucial to consider that certain sports and exercises could worsen arthritis symptoms.
Many different levels of effort and intensity have to be given in every sport. Certain sports characterized by high-impact movements and repetitive stress on joints, can pose challenges for those with arthritis. Running, jumping, or high-intensity interval training may lead to increased joint pain and inflammation. The constant pressure on weight-bearing joints like knees, hips, and feet can contribute to the worsening of arthritic pain and conditions.
Our joints are one of the most important things in an athlete and everyone’s body; the main target of arthritis is the joints. Knowing our joint mechanics is crucial when evaluating the impact of sports on arthritis. Sports that involve high ranges of motion like sudden stops and starts or excessive joint loading may contribute to accelerated wear and tear. Basketball, soccer, and tennis are examples of sports that can place additional stress on vulnerable joints. This can potentially worsen arthritis symptoms over time.
There is a lot of variability in our pain and how it comes. It's important to know that the relationship between sports and arthritis is highly individualized. What may worsen symptoms for one person might be well-tolerated by another. Factors such as the type and severity of arthritis, overall fitness level, and joint health play significant roles in determining the impact of sports on an individual. Talking with healthcare professionals and physical therapists is essential to choosing the activities and sports for an individual.
Though it is an individual need for many people, I do have some suggestions to stay active. Incorporating low-impact sports and exercises can be a viable solution. Swimming, walking, biking, and yoga are examples of activities that provide cardiovascular benefits without putting high stress on joints. These alternatives allow individuals to maintain fitness levels while minimizing the risk of increased damage.
Whether you live with a rheumatic or arthritic condition or not, a healthy, active lifestyle, is wanted by everyone. This may be harder for some with conditions but by recognizing the potential impact of certain sports or activities on your body you can still live that healthy active lifestyle in sports. This can be achieved by adapting your plan for your high-intensity sport or by transitioning to low-impact alternatives and consulting with healthcare professionals. In the end, we are all unique and just want to live our lives doing what we want to do.
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