For older people, brisk walking and Nordic walking are recommended because they involve more arm activity
Dr. Ivan Karlak, an orthopedic specialist and subspecialist in traumatology, has focused his medical career on the implantation of artificial hip, knee and shoulder joints, as well as sports injuries. Dr. Karlak, head of the orthopedic department at IMC Priora, explains how sports activity affects our joints – when it is beneficial and when it is harmful.
Can we wear out our joints by exercising incorrectly?
– Yes, by exercising incorrectly we can overload the joint, which can tolerate it for a while, but if this continues for many years, we can rapidly wear out the cartilage and cause premature onset of osteoarthritis, which will then require further treatment methods, from conservative to surgical treatment and joint replacement.
Are athletes at greater risk of early joint wear and tear, or does activity protect them?
– Professional sports today require extremely high physical exertion. Given this, as well as frequent microtraumas, professional athletes are definitely predisposed to accelerated joint wear, which is seen in today’s population.
What misconceptions do you encounter when it comes to the impact of sports on the health of our joints?
– People mistakenly believe that they are protecting their joints if they do not engage in physical activity. It is exactly the opposite – moderate involvement in amateur sports activities actually protects their joints. It is important to perform sports exercises and training regularly and properly because that is how our joints will last the longest.
A person in a white sleeve examines another person’s knee, wearing a smartwatch.
– The answer depends on age. When running, comfortable shoes that reduce landing stress are very important, as is the surface on which you run, either tartan or dirt is always recommended. If we run on asphalt or a hard surface, the shoes must be of good quality and absorb the impact when landing. For older people, fast walking and Nordic walking are recommended because they also involve more arm activity. And of course, we always recommend swimming as a sport that is best for the entire musculoskeletal system because then absolutely all muscle groups work, and there is no landing stress on the ankle.
