What is post-traumatic arthritis?
Post-traumatic arthritis is a form of osteoarthritis that develops over time after a joint injury, such as a ligament or cartilage tear, or a bone fracture. This condition can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joint, and it often progresses if left untreated.
Penn Medicine offers experienced care in the management of post-traumatic arthritis, with comprehensive treatment options to help you regain mobility and reduce pain.
Symptoms of post-traumatic arthritis
The main symptoms of arthritis from trauma include:
- Joint pain
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Difficulty moving the affected joint
- Cracking or grating sound when the joint moves
These symptoms may not show up right away after an injury. In some cases, it can take months or even years for post-traumatic arthritis to develop.
What causes post-traumatic arthritis?
Post-traumatic arthritis typically develops after injuries that damage the joint surface or change how the joint moves. These injuries are often the result of car accidents, sports injuries, or falls, which can roughen the joint surface and lead to pain and inflammation over time.
Common injuries that may lead to post-traumatic osteoarthritis include:
- Bone fractures that extend into the joint surface
- Ligament tears, like anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries
- Cartilage injuries, like meniscus tears
- Dislocations
- Severe sprains
Not every joint injury leads to post-traumatic arthritis. Severe injuries that damage cartilage or alter joint alignment, injuries in weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and ankles, and inadequate treatment or rehabilitation all increase the risk of arthritis. Individual factors such as age, weight, genetics, and overall health can also affect whether arthritis develops after an injury.
Diagnosing post-traumatic arthritis
To diagnose post-traumatic arthritis, your orthopaedist will begin by asking about your medical history and any previous joint injuries. Next, they’ll examine the affected joint to assess symptoms and movement. Imaging tests are often ordered to get a closer look at joint damage, and blood tests may be done to rule out other types of arthritis.
Post-traumatic arthritis treatment at Penn Medicine
While arthritis has no cure, treatments can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and maintain joint function. Your Penn Medicine care team may suggest over-the-counter or prescription medications for inflammation and pain. Physical therapy and complementary therapies, such as acupuncture and massage, can also provide relief, and at-home techniques like alternating heat and cold packs may be beneficial. In certain cases, your doctor may advise arthritis surgery or other procedures to address your symptoms.
Reducing the long-term impact of joint injuries
Accidents happen and can’t always be avoided, but you can help reduce your risk of developing arthritis from trauma or injury by taking steps to lessen the damage, such as:
- Wearing protective gear during sports
- Maintaining a healthy weight to lessen joint strain
- Exercising to strengthen muscles and joints
- Using the correct form when doing physical activities
- Seeking prompt treatment for joint injuries
- Following rehabilitation plans carefully after injury
- Avoiding high-impact activities after an injury
- Supporting joint health with good diet and exercise