In the United States, roughly 23 percent of adults have arthritis. Unfortunately, it can cause some painful symptoms and lead to disabilities, even among young people.
Although there are several causes of arthritis, this diagnosis often occurs some time after an accident or injury to the joints. Doctors refer to this condition as post traumatic arthritis, and it is the cause of about 12 percent of all osteoarthritis cases.
Read on to get a better understanding of this condition and how to treat it.
What Causes Post Traumatic Arthritis?
Post traumatic arthritis occurs when an injury causes a joint to wear out. The most common injuries are sustained during car accidents, falls, or physical activities.
The damage sustained in accidents causes cartilage and bone deterioration. This changes the mechanics of the joint.
As a result, the joint wears out quicker than usual. Sometimes, continuous injuries or excess body weight can aggravate the condition, worsening arthritis.
Diagnosing Post Traumatic Arthritis
If your doctor suspects that you have post traumatic arthritis, they will ask you about your medical history and symptoms. The following signs may indicate that you have arthritis:
- Swelling
- Pain
- Excess fluid
- Difficulty while walking or exercising
Your doctor will also perform an exam and take imaging scans such as x-rays or MRIs. These steps will help them understand the root of your joint discomfort.
Treating Post Traumatic Arthritis
While you cannot cure post traumatic arthritis, you can alleviate the symptoms.
Your doctor may recommend low-impact exercise to help you lose weight and stay active. They will also inform you of the rehabilitation exercises you can do at home to strengthen the muscles surrounding your joints.
Anti-inflammatory medications (such as ALEVE) also help reduce swelling and pain.
In addition to these treatment options, many people with arthritis find it helpful to receive injections in the affected area. These injections fill the joints with a fluid that acts as a cushion. As a result, some of the discomfort caused by arthritis is relieved.
One example is the a2m injection, which is widely used on post traumatic arthritis knee.
As your post traumatic arthritis progresses, you may need to have surgery. The doctors may clean out, reconstruct, or replace your damaged joint surface.
Oftentimes, surgery relieves the discomfort, especially when treating a post traumatic arthritis ankle.
Can You Prevent Post Traumatic Arthritis?
Since post traumatic arthritis results from an injury, the best thing you can do is try your best to avoid injuries when playing sports or exercising.
Moreover, if you have already sustained an injury, you can prevent arthritis by maintaining a healthy weight. By doing so, you will avoid putting unnecessary stress on your joints and preserve the cartilage that acts as a cushion.
Living With Post Traumatic Arthritis
Although there is no cure for post-traumatic arthritis, there are steps you can take to manage the symptoms and feel comfortable. These include exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, getting injections, and taking medication.
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