Morgan Hamm will not compete in gymnastics at the 2008 Beijing Olympics because of bone spurs in his ankle, which dig into his tibia, producing "extreme" pain, according to the Associated Press.
Hamm withdrew from the games on Thursday. His twin brother, Paul Hamm, the reigning Olympic champion, withdrew from the games at the end of July because of pain in the right hand he broke two months ago and a strained left rotator cuff.
Bone spurs, or osteophytes, can be caused by osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage of a joint breaks down, which can cause bones to rub against each other, causing pain and difficulty moving the joint. That can affect nearby bones, which can become enlarged in places. Those are enlargements are known as bone spurs.
Complete degeneration of the cartilage is not inevitable. Exercise, an anti-inflammatory diet and some supplements may be able to strengthen and support the joints to prevent pain and loss of function.
See also:
5 Steps to Creating an Osteoarthritis Diet
What supplements should I take for Osteoarthtitis?
More coverage of the 2008 Beijing Olympics
- Font size
- Email This
- Bookmark
- Was this helpful? Yes
- Save
- RSS
- Report Abuse
