Saina Nehwal’s arthritis diagnosis: How years of competitive sport can impact body

Former Indian badminton star Saina Nehwal has recently revealed that arthritis forced her to retire from her 25-year professional career. In an interview, she reflected on the daily challenges she faced after leaving the sport, stating that life had become a little easier but also tougher in other ways.

According to Dr. Sanjeev Jain, Chief of Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement Surgeon at KIMS Hospitals, high-intensity sports and repeated impact can cause joints to wear out prematurely. Elite athletes who subject their bodies to years of rigorous training, sudden direction changes, and repetitive movements are particularly at risk. Serious joint injuries, such as ligament tears, meniscus damage, or fractures, can also accelerate cartilage deterioration.

While not all athletes develop arthritis, early warning signs include persistent joint pain, morning stiffness, swelling, reduced flexibility, clicking or grinding sensations, returning pain during activity, and longer recovery times. Dr. Jain emphasizes the importance of seeking early diagnosis and treatment to slow progression and maintain joint function.

However, arthritis doesn't mean athletes must stop exercising entirely. He recommends switching to joint-friendly activities like swimming, cycling, walking, yoga, and strength training while maintaining a healthy weight, wearing proper footwear, and incorporating physiotherapy into their routine.