Preventing Arthritis: What Science Says About Exercise & Injury PLUS Can We Regenerate Cartilage Once It Is Damaged?
If you’ve ever worried that running, skiing, or playing sports might lead to arthritis or a future joint replacement, you’re not alone. But what if we told you that staying active is actually protecting your joints rather than wearing them down? In this episode, Dr. Brian Cole, one of the leading orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine experts, debunks the myths about exercise, joint health, and arthritis prevention.
Dr. Cole has spent decades working with professional athletes, including the Chicago Bulls, and has performed over 1,500 cartilage restoration procedures. He joins us to break down what really causes arthritis, why some people develop joint pain, and how you can stay active for life without fear. We also dive into the inspiring comeback story of Lonzo Ball, the first NBA player to return to play after undergoing a rare combination of osteochondral allograft and meniscus transplant surgery.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Does exercise really cause arthritis, or does it actually prevent it?
- The biggest risk factor for joint degeneration—and it’s NOT what you think.
- How to balance staying active with protecting your long-term joint health.
- The difference between “good pain” and “bad pain”—when to push through and when to seek help.
- The cutting-edge world of cartilage restoration and what it means for future athletes and everyday people.
- A behind-the-scenes look at Lonzo Ball’s groundbreaking surgery and his road to recovery.
Why This Episode Matters:
Many people cut back on physical activity because they fear joint damage, but science tells us this is the wrong approach. Exercise is one of the best ways to maintain musculoskeletal health, prevent injuries, and extend your healthspan. Dr. Cole explains why movement is medicine and how even those with joint pain can modify activities instead of avoiding them altogether.
We also tackle the emotional and psychological aspects of injury and recovery—especially for athletes who define themselves by their physical abilities. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, an aspiring athlete, or someone who just wants to stay mobile into your later years, this episode has invaluable insights.
Key Takeaways:
- The #1 factor in maintaining joint health is avoiding serious injuries, not limiting exercise.
- Cartilage restoration surgeries are helping athletes extend their careers, but they come with long recovery times and uncertain outcomes.
- Pain does not always mean damage—learning to differentiate types of pain is essential for staying active.
- Professional athletes undergo extreme treatments, but many of the same principles apply to everyday fitness enthusiasts.
- Strength training, proper nutrition, good sleep, and a supportive community all play a role in preventing joint issues.
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Join the Conversation!
Have you ever worried about exercise leading to arthritis? What activities do you do to stay active while protecting your joints? Let us know in the comments or tag us on social media!
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Stay active, stay informed, and as always—thanks for allowing us to be your doctor friends. 
