While this is generally a disease of the joints, there are quite a few causes of it. The rheumatoid variety for instance results from a glitch within the workings of the immune system. It orders an attack on the cartilage and other connective tissue. While this is happening, the body imagines it is fighting a specific deserving enemy like germs. But it is not. Secondary osteoarthritis, for that is one of the other names for injuries acquired from external force, happens when accumulative pressure is exerted on the cartilage that protects the bone about the joints.
The way these parts are laid out in the body is such that bones do not ever meet in a joint. Their joint surfaces are coated with a sufficient layer of cartilage which takes in the shock of normal living. The importance of this cartilage is not to be underestimated. Because it can grow back quickly even after a one time injury, it is better that bone. Cartilage is also more flexible than bone.
In the case of the type of injuries that cause secondary osteoarthritis, we are talking about pressure that is exerted daily. At the end of the wearing out process, the cartilage is as worn out as if the immune system ordered that attack against it.
To make things clearer, let it be understood that what causes secondary osteoarthritis is trauma to the cartilage. Sports are not the only causes of such trauma. Accidents can also cause it. Besides cartilage damage, soft tissue is also damaged which means there is loss of useful muscle and bone. A good example is former sports stars. Many of these have had the entire joints replaced. Some of them walk with a limp due to repetitive trauma to the cartilage and surrounding tissue.
But such arthritis from injuries can be managed successfully. With a good pain reliever, you should have a better time even continuing with sports. High grade pain relievers can be matched with liquid formulas that recreate damaged cartilage and give you back your sporting life. It takes up to six months with products of low quality. With a good product, it should be possible to spot substantial change in as few as 10 days!
The active ingredients that you should be looking for in products that claim to give you relief are mainly glucosamine as well as chondroitin. Another means of handling injuries of this nature is called K-taping. The worst response to arthritis is to neglect it. It seems to have a mind of its own to simply punish you for the neglect. That is why you must keep perpetual observation of this troublesome disease of the joints.