Overall it appears reasonable to conclude that from the literature that there is an increased risk of lower limb O/A associated with repetitive, high impact sports and that this risk in strongly associated with previous joint injury. The data from population studies suggest increased risk for O/A, although such studies do not specify which sports are harmful. There seems to be little risk associated with running. The general benefits to be gained from exercise remain very important. When assessing an athlete’s risk for O/A, the nature of the sport, intensity of training, presences of previous injury, body mass index, and occupation should be taken into account.
(ref. Conaghan. BJSM: 2002:36;330-333)
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