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Aberdeen expert debunks osteoarthritis myths following Joanne Clifton’s diagnosis ‘embarrassment’

Luke Farrow next to an image of an x-ray of an arthritic knee and a photo of Joanne Clifton
Aberdeen lecturer says 'significant proportion of young people' have osteoarthritis including Joanne Clifton

Strictly star Joanne Clifton falsely believed osteoarthritis was something only older people got – until she developed the condition herself.

In 2016, the 33-year-old won Strictly Come Dancing with celebrity partner Ore Oduba.

But, behind the scenes, she was in extreme pain.

Joanne’s knee had to be strapped up for performances, and she found herself “limping up the stairs” to meet host Claudia Winkleman after each routine.

Joanne Clifton and Ore Oduba with the glitterball trophy after they won the final of Strictly Come Dancing 2016

This was because she was suffering from osteoarthritis, a condition that causes joints to become inflamed – usually in the knees, spine, hips or hands.

She told the Metro she was “embarrassed” by the diagnosis and feared she “wouldn’t be taken seriously” as she thought it was something only affecting the elderly.

Aberdeen expert: ‘Significant proportion’ of young people have osteoarthritis

Aberdeen University lecturer Luke Farrow, a speciality trainee in trauma and orthopaedics, has stressed this is a large misconception.

He said: “Historically and classically, people have been taught osteoarthritis is very much related to old age.

Aberdeen University lecturer Luke Farrow, a speciality trainee in trauma and orthopaedics, says osteoarthritis can affect young people as well
Aberdeen expert Luke Farrow says the idea osteoarthritis can’t affect young people is a misconception.

“It does tend to affect older adults more than it does younger people, but there is still certainly a significant proportion of young people that have osteoarthritis.

“I think it’s really important that people understand it’s not just a condition of older age.”

Can exercise put me at risk of getting osteoarthritis at a young age?

Luke thinks the idea that osteoarthritis is caused by “wear and tear” is another misconception – though some sports may play a role in its development.

“Generally, we’ve come to understand that physical activity is actually protective of getting arthritis,” he said.

“That’s not to say certain kinds of sports (don’t play a role), I think they probably do put you at a higher risk.

Woman holding her back in pain as she suffers from osteoarthritis
Woman experiencing painful osteoarthritis in her back

“Dancing puts quite a lot of stress on the body in a slightly unusual way.

“One of the things we know is very predictive of getting osteoarthritis is injury,” the Aberdeen expert added.

“Sports that have a high risk of injury, especially to the surface of the joint or damage to the ligaments and tendons all play a massive role, particularly if they aren’t treated.”

What other factors increase the chances of osteoarthritis?

Luke says there are many other reasons which can cause a young person to develop osteoarthritis, including obesity and genetics.

Additionally, women are at greater risk of developing the condition, though the reasons for this aren’t fully understood.

“We don’t know 100%, the regulation of our bodies is slightly different.

“For whatever reason that does seem to have an impact, making women slightly higher risk because of that,” he added.

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