Participation in sports has evolved as a cause of osteoarthritis (OA),
especially in hip and knee joints. OA often occurs at a relatively ea
rly age in adult life, in certain sports (soccer, rugby, racket sports
and other track and held sports) and under certain conditions (high l
evel of practice). We review preclinical considerations and published
epidemiological studies. Joint overuse even without notable trauma is
likely the main mechanism of OA both in these sports and in certain oc
cupational activities (relative risk ranges from 1.5 to more than 5 de
pending chiefly on the category of sport and on the level and duration
of practice). Irregular or sudden impacts, heavy load application on
the dominant weight-bearing lower limb and the pre-existing state of t
he joint including dysplasia, dystrophy or previous trauma are risk. f
actors for OA. However, recreational sport activities at a reasonable
level are not likely to be harmful for most individuals, in most sport
activities.