Risk of osteoarthritis associated with long‐term weight‐bearing sports: A radiologic survey of the hips and knees in female ex‐athletes and population controls

Abstract

Weight-bearing sports activity in women is associated with a 2-3-fold increased risk of radiologic OA (particularly the presence of osteophytes) of the knees and hips. The risk was similar in ex-elite athletes and in a subgroup from the general population who reported long-term sports activity, suggesting that duration rather than frequency of training is important.