From the Guidelines
Arthritis is not directly caused by heavy lifting, but it can contribute to joint stress and injury, increasing the risk of developing osteoarthritis. While heavy lifting can potentially contribute to joint stress and injury, which might increase the risk of developing certain types of arthritis like osteoarthritis, it is not a primary cause. Arthritis typically develops due to a combination of factors including genetics, age, previous joint injuries, obesity, and autoimmune conditions. According to a study published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings in 2021 1, heavy work activities, such as farming and construction work, or work that requires frequent kneeling, heavy lifting, or repetitive use of joints, are associated with the development of osteoarthritis.
Key Points to Consider
- Regular heavy lifting with poor technique may accelerate joint wear in predisposed individuals, but proper lifting techniques, maintaining a healthy weight, and appropriate exercise can actually strengthen the muscles around joints and help prevent arthritis.
- A systematic review published in Arthritis Care & Research in 2020 found strong and moderate evidence for lifting, cumulative physical loads, full-body vibration, and kneeling/squatting/bending as increasing the risks of developing osteoarthritis in men and women 1.
- The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) recommends that persons with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis participate in self-management programs, strengthening, low-impact aerobic exercise, and neuromuscular education, and suggests that those with a body mass index of 25 kg per m2 or greater should lose weight 1.
Recommendations for Heavy Lifting
- If you engage in heavy lifting regularly, focus on proper form, use supportive equipment when necessary, take adequate rest between sessions, and listen to your body's signals to minimize joint stress.
- Many people who lift weights or perform manual labor throughout their lives never develop significant arthritis, while others with sedentary lifestyles may develop it due to other risk factors.
From the Research
Arthritis and Heavy Lifting
- The relationship between heavy lifting and arthritis is a topic of interest in various studies 2, 3.
- A study published in The Journal of Rheumatology in 2008 found that men who reported occupational exposure to both squatting/kneeling and heavy lifting had a modest increased risk for worse cartilage morphology scores at the patellofemoral joint and medial tibiofemoral joint 2.
- Another study published in The Journal of Rheumatology in 2001 found moderate evidence for a positive association between previous heavy physical workload and the occurrence of hip OA, with an odds ratio of approximately 3 3.
- The evidence suggests that heavy lifting may contribute to the development of osteoarthritis, particularly in the hip and knee joints 2, 3.
Mechanisms and Risk Factors
- Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis, and its development is influenced by various factors, including biomechanical loading 2.
- The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen is common in the treatment of osteoarthritis, but their efficacy and safety profiles differ 4, 5, 6.
- Heavy lifting and other physical workload factors may increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis by causing repetitive stress and damage to the joints 2, 3.
Treatment and Management
- Treatment options for osteoarthritis include pharmacologic therapies such as NSAIDs, acetaminophen, and opioids, as well as non-pharmacologic interventions like physical therapy and lifestyle modifications 4, 5, 6.
- The choice of treatment depends on various factors, including the severity of symptoms, medical history, and individual patient needs 4, 5, 6.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between heavy lifting and arthritis, as well as to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies 2, 3.