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Injured In A Missouri Car Accident? Ask Your Doctor About Post-traumatic Arthritis.

If you have been in a Missouri car accident and have injured a joint, you may be at risk of developing post traumatic arthritis, a painful and often debilitating disease of the joints.

What is post-traumatic arthritis?

We've all heard of arthritis. Arthritis is the inflammation of a joint. The joint may be swollen, painful and difficult to move. Usually arthritis is caused by the wearing out of a joint surface over time. This is why arthritis is more prevalent in the elderly than in younger people. However, post-traumatic arthritis can occur in people of all ages.

Post-traumatic arthritis occurs when the wearing out of a joint is accelerated because of some king of physical injury. Causes of joint injury include motor vehicle accidents, slips and falls, sports injuries or any other type of physical trauma. When injuries can damage the cartilage or bone, they change the mechanics of the joint so it wears out more quickly.

More than 5.6 million people (12% of arthritis sufferers) in the United States suffer from post-traumatic arthritis.

Post traumatic arthritis can affect the hips, knee, shoulder, ankle, or elbow.

What are the symptoms of post-traumatic arthritis?

The symptoms of post-traumatic arthritis are similar to the symptoms of osteoarthritis. They include:

• Chronic joint pain
  
• Tenderness
• Joint swelling
• Accumulation of fluid in the joint
• Stiffness
• Limited range of motion
• Difficulty with activities that stress the joint
• Bone spurs

Treatment of post-traumatic arthritis

Osteoarthritis is not reversible. Treatment cannot cure of post-traumatic arthritis; instead, medical treatment aims to alleviate discomfort and prevent worsening of the condition. Treatment for post-traumatic arthritis often includes weight loss, low impact exercise and strengthening of the muscles surrounding the joint. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines are recommended to reduce swelling. In some cases, arthritic joints are injected with cortisone or with an artificial joint fluid. When pain relief stops working, surgery may be an option. Surgery can offer permanent relief by repairing, reconstructing or replacing the joint.

What is your risk?

If you have sustained a joint or bone injury in a Missouri car accident, our Kansas City auto accident lawyers suggest that you ask your doctor about your risk for post-traumatic arthritis. Post-traumatic arthritis may not develop for years after your injury, but if you are at risk, you may be able to ask for damages in advance.

To learn more, contact Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys at 888-348-2616 and ask to schedule a free consultation with a Kansas City auto accident lawyer. There is no obligation.

Learn more about Missouri accident claims; request a free copy of our book: 10 Essential Steps You Must Take To Protect Your Injury Claim.

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