In Gagan Narang’s podcast, House of Glory, the Olympic bronze medallist has revealed that she is fighting arthritis. She also revealed that her health condition is not allowing her to train properly in badminton.
“The knee is not very good.I have arthritis. My cartilage has gone to a bad state. It is very difficult to push for eight-nine hours,” she said in the podcast. I think I will have to accept it somewhere. Because two hours of training is not good enough to play with the highest level of players and get the desired results,” the Arjuna awardee added.
Her health condition has triggered speculation around her retirement. Though she has not openly talked about it, she might consider it. “I am also thinking about it (retirement). It will be sad because it is like a job that a normal person does. Obviously, a sportsperson’s career is always a short one. I started at the age of 9. I will be 35 next year,” she said. Saina has not participated in badminton competitions since the Singapore Open last year.
One in four retired Olympians reported a diagnosis of osteoarthritis
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, a study by researchers in The University in Edinburgh in 2022 found.
For the study, the researchers examined over 3,300 retired Olympians and found that the most injury prone areas were knee, lumbar spine and shoulder. “The study 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,” the University had said in an official statement.
Arthritis in sportspeople is a significant concern due to the physical demands and stresses placed on their bodies. Osteoarthritis, often linked to wear and tear, results from repetitive joint stress and injuries over time. Sports that involve high-impact activities can accelerate joint degeneration. Repeated trauma or excessive strain on the joints can lead to cartilage breakdown, resulting in pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility typical of osteoarthritis.
Injuries sustained during sports can also contribute to arthritis development. For instance, ligament tears, meniscal damage, or fractures can disrupt normal joint function and increase the risk of developing arthritis later. Post-injury inflammation and joint misalignment can accelerate cartilage wear and tear, leading to chronic arthritic conditions.
Moreover, certain sports increase the risk of arthritis due to the repetitive nature of the movements involved. Activities requiring frequent twisting, turning, or high-impact landings can place substantial stress on specific joints, particularly the knees, hips, and shoulders. Over time, this repeated stress can compromise joint integrity and contribute to the onset of arthritis.
Arthritis: Early signs to know
