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Post-traumatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that develops after an injury to a joint. Millions worldwide are affected by arthritis, which is a prevalent condition.
While many cases of arthritis are due to natural wear and tear on joints, others are a result of traumatic injury. In this article, we explore the causes, symptoms and treatment options for PTA.
What is post-traumatic arthritis?
PTA is a type of osteoarthritis that develops after an injury to a joint. The injury can be a result of a fracture, dislocation, ligament tear or any other injury that damages the joint.
PTA can affect any joint in the body, but it's most common in the knee, hip, ankle and shoulder joints.
How long does post-traumatic arthritis take to develop?
The development of PTA can vary from person to person. In some cases, the symptoms may appear immediately after the injury, while in others, it may take years for them to develop.
The severity of the injury, age of the patient, and amount of stress put on the joint contribute to development of PTA. Generally, PTA can take anywhere from a few months to several years to develop.
Causes of post-traumatic arthritis
As mentioned earlier, PTA is caused by an injury to a joint. The injury can damage the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones in the joint.
When the cartilage is damaged, the bones rub against each other, causing pain and inflammation. Over time, that can lead to the development of PTA. Other factors that can contribute to development of PTA include:
- Age: Risk of developing PTA increases with age.
- Weight: Being overweight puts extra stress on the joints, which can increase risk of PTA.
- Genetics: Some people may be more prone to developing PTA due to their genes.
- Activity level: High-impact sports and activities that put a lot of stress on the joints can increase risk of PTA.
Symptoms of post-traumatic arthritis
PTA symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the injury and joint affected. Some common symptoms include:
- Pain in the joint, especially during movement
- Stiffness in the joint, especially after periods of inactivity
- Swelling and inflammation around the joint
- Decreased range of motion in the joint
- Clicking or popping sounds when moving the joint
Diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Arthritis
If you're experiencing symptoms of PTA, its' important to see a doctor. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may order imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs or CT scans to assess the damage to the joint.
They may also perform a joint aspiration, which involves removing fluid from the joint to check for signs of inflammation.
Treatment of post-traumatic arthritis
PTA treatment depends on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, treatment may involve rest, changes in diet, physical therapy and over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
In other cases, your doctor may recommend:
- Prescription medications: If over-the-counter medications are not effective, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications or corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damage to joint. That may involve joint replacement surgery, which involves replacing the damaged joint with an artificial one.
- Lifestyle changes: Making lifestyle changes like losing weight, having a healthy diet, and exercising regularly can help reduce stress on the affected joint and improve overall joint health.
Apart from medical treatment, there are some self-care measures you can take to manage symptoms of PTA. These include:
- Resting the affected joint as much as possible
- Applying heat or cold to the joint to reduce pain and inflammation
- Doing low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling to maintain joint flexibility and strength
- Using assistive devices like braces or crutches to support the affected joint
Prevention of post-traumatic arthritis
While it may not always be possible to prevent an injury, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing PTA after an injury. These include:
- Seeking prompt medical attention after an injury to the joint
- Following a physical therapy regimen as prescribed by your doctor
- Wearing appropriate protective gear when participating in high-impact sports or activities
PTA is a type of arthritis that develops after an injury to a joint. While the development of PTA can vary from person to person, it's important to seek medical attention if you experience the aforementioend symptoms.
Treatment options for PTA include rest, physical therapy, medication and surgery. By taking steps to reduce your risk of injury and maintain joint health, you can reduce your risk of developing PTA after an injury.
