Arthritis: Saina Nehwal battles arthritis. Find out why athletes suffer from it |

Saina Nehwal is a name that exudes confidence, will to win and perseverance. However, Saina's recent revelation has shattered the hopes and expectations of her fans and followers.
In Gagan Narang’s podcast “House of Glory,” the Olympic bronze medalist revealed that she is fighting arthritisShe also announced that her health condition does not allow her to train badminton properly.
“My knee is not very good. I have arthritis. My cartilage is in a bad state. It is very difficult to train for eight to nine hours,” she said in the podcast. “I think I will have to accept it somewhere. Because two hours of training is not enough to play with the players at the highest level and get the desired results,” added the Arjuna Award winner.
Her health condition has sparked speculations about her retirement. Although she has not spoken openly about it, she might be considering it. “I am also thinking about it (retirement). It will be sad because it is like a job that any normal person does. Of course, a sportsperson's career is always short. I started when I was 9. Next year I will be 35,” she said. Saina has not participated in badminton competitions since the Singapore Open last year.

One in four former Olympic athletes was diagnosed with osteoarthritis

One in four former Olympic athletes reported a diagnosis Osteoarthritisthe form of arthritis that causes changes in the joint and can lead to discomfort, pain and disability, a 2022 study by researchers at the University of Edinburgh found.

For the study, researchers examined over 3,300 former Olympic athletes and found that the knee, lumbar spine and shoulder were the areas most prone to injury. “The study is the largest international investigation of its kind and the first to examine the consequences of osteoarthritis and pain in various joints in former elite athletes in various Olympic summer and winter sports,” said an official statement from the university.
Arthritis in athletes is a significant problem due to the physical stress and strain placed on their bodies. Osteoarthritis, often associated with wear and tear, results from repeated joint stress and injury over time. Sports involving high-impact activities can accelerate joint degeneration. Repeated trauma or excessive stress on joints can lead to cartilage breakdown, resulting in the pain, stiffness and limited mobility typical of osteoarthritis.
Injuries sustained during sports can also contribute to the development of arthritis. Torn ligaments, meniscus damage or fractures, for example, can impair normal joint function and increase the risk of developing arthritis later on. Inflammation and joint misalignment following injuries can accelerate cartilage wear and lead to chronic arthritis.
In addition, certain sports increase the risk of arthritis due to the repetitive nature of the movements involved. Activities that require frequent twisting, turning, or hard landings can place a lot of stress on certain joints, particularly the knees, hips, and shoulders. Over time, this repetitive stress can compromise joint integrity and contribute to the onset of arthritis.