Amateur sportspeople have been warned that they could be doing irrevocable damage to their joints.

A report says that millions of Britons are unknowingly damaging their joints through sport, while people with less active lifestyles experience fewer incidents of joint pain.

Health firm LitoZin claims that 68 per cent of active survey respondents suffered from joint pain, which has affected English sporting luminaries such as David Beckham, Andrew Flintoff and Jonny Wilkinson over the last year.
 

Its research found that 65 per cent of men and women aged under 45 experienced joint pain, compared to 74 per cent of individuals over 45.

LitoZin warns that people who play golf and racquet sports or go running are particularly vulnerable, while rugby players are the most susceptible to joint discomfort.

Former England international and rugby World Cup winner Matt Dawson said: 'Professional rugby players are aware of the strain put on the joints, particularly the ankles and knees.

'We were always advised to take joint health supplements to keep our joints mobile, help manage joint pain and reduce the need for strong painkillers.'

Sports doctor Joseph Babicki commented: 'Many people think that joint pain is simply correlated to age. In fact joint pain is common at any age and is very common among young active sportspersons.'