Early Osteoarthritis Signs Found in Professional Women Footballers
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New research from the Drake football Study has shed light on an emerging health concern in women’s professional football: early signs of osteoarthritis (OA) in the lower limbs.
Published in the South African Journal of Sports Medicine (2025), the sub-study conducted by Dr D.A. Ramagole and colleagues is the first to clinically assess OA in active professional women’s players, revealing new insights about where and how it begins.
OA is a condition of the joints, frequently enough linked to ageing. It is a type of arthritis that happens when the cartilage that lines joints is worn down and bones rub against each other.
The study examined 74 professional women’s players (average age 25) from across Europe and Africa. Women’s players were clinically evaluated for hip, knee and ankle osteoarthritis, and completed detailed questionnaires about joint pain, function and past injuries or surgeries.
Despite the players’ young age and top fitness levels, clinical osteoarthritis was already present in several cases:
* Hip OA: 2.7%
* knee OA: 5.0%
* Ankle OA: 8.0%
“While the overall prevalence was low, one finding stood out: the ankle emerged as the most affected joint, suggesting it might potentially be a weak link in women’s football biomechanics,” said Prof Dr Vincent Gouttebarge, FIFPRO’s Medical Director.
The Drake Football Study is a 10-year project tracking the physical and mental health of around 170 men’s and women’s footballers.Research also found knee surgeries carry long-term risks that can shorten careers, while ankles may need as much care as knees.
Knee injuries and surgeries strongly linked to OA
The study also confirmed what many athletes suspect: major knee injuries and surgeries increase the risk of OA, even at a young age.
Players who had suffered severe knee injuries were considerably more likely to develop OA. Those who had undergone knee surgery were nine times more likely to have OA than those who had not.
“This link was not seen in the hips or ankles, suggesting that the knee remains the most vulnerable joint for long-term joint health, especially following ligament or meniscus damage,” said Prof Dr Gouttebarge.
Drake Football Study Reveals Insights into Player Health – Osteoarthritis, Mental Wellbeing, and Gynaecological Health
the Drake Football Study, a comprehensive research initiative focused on the health of professional football players, has released data over the past 18 months covering a range of critical areas. Findings include insights into knee and hip osteoarthritis in men, alongside research into mental health symptoms and gynaecological health in women players. https://www.drakefootballstudy.com/ this research, seed-funded by The Drake Foundation and supported by leading medical institutions, aims to improve player wellbeing and inform best practices in professional football.
Study Background and funding
The Drake Football Study is a collaborative effort led by Prof Dr Gouttebarge and Prof Dr Gino Kerkhoffs, chair of the Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine department at the amsterdam University medical Centres. https://www.amc.nl/en/research/research-groups/orthopedic-surgery-and-sports-medicine/index.html The study receives support from Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Mehilainen (Finland), and Push Sports (The Netherlands). This multi-institutional collaboration underscores the growing recognition of the need for dedicated research into the long-term health impacts of professional football.
Key Research Areas
The study’s research is divided into several key areas, reflecting the diverse health challenges faced by professional footballers:
Osteoarthritis in Men’s Players
Research has focused on the prevalence and risk factors for knee and hip osteoarthritis in male football players. Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, is a common concern for athletes due to the high impact and repetitive stress placed on their joints.Understanding the specific risks within football is crucial for developing preventative strategies and improving long-term joint health.
Mental Health Symptoms
Recognizing the increasing awareness of mental health in sports, the Drake Football Study is investigating the prevalence of mental health symptoms among both male and female players. This includes examining factors contributing to stress, anxiety, and depression within the demanding environment of professional football. Early identification and support are vital for player wellbeing and performance.
Gynaecological Health of Women’s Players
A significant and often overlooked area of research, the study is dedicated to understanding the gynaecological health needs of female football players.This includes investigating menstrual cycle irregularities,bone stress injuries,and other conditions specific to female athletes. This research aims to address the unique physiological demands placed on women footballers and improve their access to appropriate healthcare.
The Importance of Dedicated Football Research
Historically, research into the health of football players has been limited. The Drake Football Study addresses this gap by providing a dedicated platform for rigorous scientific inquiry. This research is vital for several reasons:
* Improving Player Welfare: Identifying health risks allows for the development of targeted prevention and treatment strategies.
* Informing Best Practices: Study findings can inform changes to training regimes, medical protocols, and player support systems.
* Promoting Longevity: Understanding the long-term health consequences of playing professional football can help players make informed decisions about their careers and future wellbeing.
Looking Ahead
The Drake Football Study continues to collect and analyze data, with ongoing research expected to expand our understanding of player health. Future research will likely delve deeper into the interplay between physical and mental health, as well as explore the effectiveness of different interventions aimed at mitigating health risks. The ultimate goal is to create a healthier and more sustainable future for professional football players.
Key Takeaways:
* The Drake Football Study is a multi-institutional research initiative focused on the health of professional football players.
* Current research areas include osteoarthritis in men, mental health symptoms in both genders, and gynaecological health in women.
* The study is funded by The Drake Foundation and supported by leading medical centers in Europe.
* The research aims to improve player welfare, inform best practices, and promote longevity in the sport.
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