5 Amazing Performers Who Battled Arthritis

In observance of Arthritis Awareness Month, we at PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center want to acknowledge just how pervasive arthritis is. Within the whopping percentage of the population that deals with arthritis exists many great performers who had to juggle chronic joint inflammation with their peak performances. Today, we will highlight 5 of them.

Jack Nicklaus

Yes, even the arguable GOAT of golf has openly discussed his struggles with osteoarthritis. The high-impact nature of his golf swing, combined with years of competition, likely contributed to the degeneration of cartilage in his joints, including those in his hips and back, which can indirectly affect gait and foot mechanics.

Nicklaus managed his condition through a combination of medication, physical therapy, and a modified training regimen, allowing him to continue playing at a high level for many years.

Wayne Gretzky

Known as "The Great One," Gretzky also dealt with osteoarthritis later in his career. There is speculation as to whether this directly led to his retirement, but as podiatrists, we know it might have.

Compared to athletic shoes designed for running or jumping, hockey skates typically offer less inherent shock absorption. The rigid sole and direct contact with the hard ice surface means that more of the impact forces generated during skating are transmitted directly to the joints of the feet and ankles and could contribute to long-term wear and tear.

Terrell Davis

Terrell’s explosive speed and agility were key to his Hall of Fame career, but years of high-impact collisions and constant stress on his joints took a toll.

Davis developed osteoarthritis, which significantly affected his knees and ankles. This wear-and-tear arthritis caused him chronic pain and stiffness and ultimately contributed to the premature end of his remarkable time on the field.

Iker Casillas

While perhaps not as overtly demanding on the feet as running sports, the constant stance, quick reactions, and explosive movements required of a goalkeeper can still place significant stress on the lower extremities. Casillas reportedly dealt with arthritis that affected both his hands and feet. For a goalkeeper, the health and stability of the feet are paramount for maintaining balance and making crucial saves.

Kathleen Turner

While primarily known for her battle with rheumatoid arthritis affecting multiple joints, the actress has also spoken about the significant impact of RA on her feet and ankles. RA, an autoimmune disease, often targets the smaller joints, making the feet and ankles early and frequent sites of inflammation, pain, and eventual deformity.

At PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, we treat a wide variety of foot and ankle ailments. Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and the rest of our team are ready to serve our Hartford County patients. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.