To delay the onset of osteoarthritis in an active runner, which change is most appropriate?

• A. Weight loss
• B. Corticosteroid injections
• C. Calcium supplementation
• D. Swim or bike instead of running

Answer: (D)

Focusing on reducing repetitive joint stress while preserving activity is the key idea. Runners place high, repeated loads on the knee joints with each stride, which accelerates wear of the articular cartilage over time. Switching to a lower-impact form of cardio, like swimming or cycling, lowers knee joint loading while still allowing ongoing training and fitness. This approach slows the degenerative process that leads to osteoarthritis without sacrificing activity or performance.

Weight loss can help reduce the load on joints, but among options that keep an active runner training, reducing impact by changing the exercise mode provides a more direct way to lessen cartilage stress and delay OA onset. Corticosteroid injections address symptoms rather than disease progression and aren’t preventive. Calcium supplementation targets bone health and doesn’t reliably delay OA onset.