Take the pain out of sport

We're working to take the pain out of sport 

Our Taking the Pain Out of Sport survey revealed that over half of the active public in the UK has incurred injuries through exercise and nearly a third have concerns about limited mobility or joint problems later in life, such as osteoarthritis (OA).

There is evidence that for some people acute sports injuries can be a risk factor for the development of OA in later life, but more research is needed.

Arthritis Research UK is funding the first major UK project investigating the long term impact of sports injuries and the potential development of osteoarthritis. The £3m Arthritis Research UK Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis will launch this year and will investigate the risks associated with specific sports, whether certain individuals are more at risk and what is the best approach to treatment. We want to help people protect themselves from OA in later life by helping them to manage and recover from injuries.

Whether you’re just taking up a sport or already exercising, take a look at our top tips for safe exercise and avoiding injury.

You can help us raise awareness of the issue by sharing your story if you have incurred joint pain, injury or developed osteoarthritis as a result of playing sport or exercising.