It may take longer than a few weeks to recover from a twisted ankle or a shoulder injury. Later in age, arthritis may develop as a result of this trigger. Although surgery is unlikely, it can take a few months before you feel better. Post-traumatic arthritis can be brought on by any joint injury, including those sustained in sports or auto accidents.
Arthritis Caused By Injuries
Sports injuries or common falls can result in post-traumatic osteoarthritis, a kind of arthritis that is brought on by injuries. The cartilage in a joint can deteriorate over time if an injury to it doesn’t always heal properly. In severe situations, this process can result in progressive degradation to the point that bones begin to scrape against one another and produce discomfort or stiffness.
After an incident, post-traumatic arthritis cannot be completely avoided, and roughly 40% of serious injuries result in osteoarthritis. About 10 years after the first injury, this arthritis can frequently develop.
What Is Post-Traumatic Arthritis
The disorder known as arthritis affects a person’s joints. Any joint may experience symptoms such as swelling, discomfort, stiffness, and decreased movement for any period of time.
Post-traumatic arthritis is any type of arthritis that develops after a direct and acute traumatic insult to the joints, according to a recent article from Trusted Source.
The smooth surfaces of joints can become uneven after trauma, causing them to scrape against one another and hasten cartilage deterioration.
Post-traumatic arthritis affects 20 to 50 percent of patients who have joint damage on average. Osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis are the two types of post-traumatic arthritis that might occur.
The most prevalent type of arthritis in the world is osteoarthritis (Trusted Source). It develops as a result of repeated joint use. Less frequently occurring, inflammatory arthritis frequently results from an immunological reaction that intensifies joint inflammation.
Causes
An immediate, severe traumatic injury to a person’s joints is what causes post-traumatic arthritis. Such injuries can result from a variety of causes, according to research Trusted Source, including：
- car crashes
- sports injuries
- falls
- military wounds
Post-traumatic arthritis can result from a single traumatic event, however the risk additionally rises with:
- age-related injuries
- folks that are overweight
Symptoms
Patients with post-traumatic osteoarthritis typically experience stiffness or pain in the afflicted joint. When arthritis pain only affects one joint, such as one knee instead of both, it is typically the result of a post-traumatic injury. Ibuprofen, aspirin, and other over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, along with heat and cold compresses, can often be used to treat pain. Patients who receive physical therapy can help stabilize and lessen the load on the damaged joint by strengthening the muscles around it. Osteoarthritis pain can also be lessened by losing weight to relieve strain on the affected joint.
Treatment
When a person sustains a joint injury from trauma, doctors may conduct surgery. Surgeons may realign the joint surfaces if there is a fracture within the joint. By doing so, you’ll be able to lessen the extent of joint damage and slow the degenerative process.
Additionally, the goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms as much as possible. These interventions may include:
pharmaceuticals such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- low-impact physical activity
- lifestyle adjustments including weight loss if necessary
Treatment for chronic post-traumatic arthritis varies depending on the individual. According to the 2022 review Trusted Source, several forms of treatment can halt the spread of sickness. These consist of:
- medication, such as antibiotics or corticosteroids
- Physical treatment
- Acupuncture
- weight loss
- in more severe circumstances, joint replacement surgery
A patient can discuss their nonsurgical and, in some situations, surgical alternatives with a doctor to determine the best course of action.
Prevention
An immediate severe damage to the jowl is what causes post-traumatic arthritis. Accidents and sports injuries are unavoidable, but even as a young person, there are ways to take care of your joints. Visit a physical therapist if you have been injured to ensure that the weakened area is appropriately strengthened and treated. This one action could spare you from years of persistent aches and pains.
The rising participation of young people in sports is leading many medical professionals to forecast an increase in post-traumatic arthritis in the upcoming years. Nowadays, a lot of kids play various young sports without giving their injuries the required rest or rehabilitation. athletes who recover from injuries properly, take their time returning to their sport, and take precautions to prevent getting hurt again.
You should also maintain a healthy body weight, consume wholesome foods, and engage in low-impact exercises to prevent more issues.
Contact Midwest Center for Joint Replacement if you have any concerns regarding your joint pain. Joint replacement surgery and pain management are our areas of expertise.
