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Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Post-traumatic arthritis causes stiffness and pain in your affected joints after an injury. You probably won’t need surgery, but it might take a few months to feel better. Any injury to your joints (like a car accident or sports injury) can cause post-traumatic arthritis.

Post-traumatic arthritis is inflammation in your joints that forms after you’ve experienced a trauma. It develops quickly after an injury instead of over years of wear and tear like other forms of arthritis.

It’s usually a temporary issue, and many people recover in a few months. Sometimes, post-traumatic arthritis last longer and becomes a chronic (long-term) condition. It’s rare, but you might need surgery if your symptoms are severe and limit your quality of life. Most people can manage their post-traumatic arthritis with lifestyle changes and exercise, often as part of their recovery plan from their original injury.

Osteoarthritis is caused by the cartilage around your joints wearing out over time, usually many years. It’s the most common cause of arthritis. Post-traumatic arthritis is a type of osteoarthritis that’s caused by an injury like a bone fracture or dislocation. The damage from the injury creates arthritis quickly in the affected joint.

Post-traumatic arthritis causes stiffness and pain in your affected joints. Depending on which of your joints are impacted, it’ll be hard to walk, run, play sports or move like you’re used to. The most common joints affected by post-traumatic arthritis include:

  • Ankles.
  • Knees.
  • Hips.
  • Elbows.
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