Are Olympic athletes at greater risk for developing osteoarthritis?

However -- and this is critical -- remember that Olympic athletes also have superbly trained and balanced muscles. These muscles help take the pressure and stress off the joints, and help keep those joints symptom free. If an Olympic athlete stays in shape after they are done competing, it is very likely he or she would also remain pain-free. If, however, he or she takes a long-deserved break from exercising and does not return to keeping their body in shape, they may very well have a price to pay down the line for such devotion to their sport.

Of course, another way an Olympic athlete may end up with an increased risk of osteoarthritis is through injuries. Each injury to a joint (torn ligament, meniscus, sprained ankle), puts that joint at increased risk of osteoarthritis later in life. Here, again, though, the Olympic athlete's strength and conditioning, if maintained, will help offset that risk.

What can we learn from all this, and how do we apply it to our own lives?

While it is true that repetitive stresses on the joints through sports may create some wear and tear in the joints, the benefits of exercise far out weigh the downside. The plain truth is that everyday life -- climbing stairs, sitting in cars, walking on concrete -- can be hard on our joints. By keeping our muscles strong and flexible, everyday activities are no longer difficult for our joints to face. The scale tilts heavily towards exercise being beneficial. If you want to exercise, and are planning to exercise a lot, but are concerned about creating damage to the joints in the long run, (after consulting a doctor to make sure it is safe for you to exercise) pick an activity that does not include pounding the joints. Running for example, over time, can be hard on the knees and hips. However, running on an elliptical machine does not include the pounding and is easier on the joints. Swimming is another good activity that is generally well tolerated by joints.

Of course, in addition to being good for the muscles supporting the joints, being active has benefits for the heart, mind, lungs, and general sense of well-being. Again, talk to your doctor to make sure it is safe for you to start a new exercise before beginning.