Can Car Accidents Cause Arthritis
Arthritis is a tricky condition to deal with because there are countless factors and forces that can cause someone to develop it. The painful autoimmune disorder causes discomfort in the joints, and it can stem from genetics, fatigue, and even acute injuries like car accidents in some cases. If you were recently in a car accident and you are beginning to experience symptoms of post-traumatic arthritis or your pre-existing arthritis has worsened following an accident, you could be entitled to compensation for medical bills, time away from work, and your pain and suffering.
Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Arthritis:
Causes And Risk Factors Of Post
Post-traumatic arthritis develops after an injury to a joint. These can include:
-
Automobile accidents
Post-traumatic arthritis can happen after many types of injuries, including fractures, ligament damage , muscle or tendon damage or injuries to cartilage, such as meniscus tears. Post-traumatic osteoarthritis develops in 20 to 50 percent or more of cases of joint injuries.
What Medications/treatments Are Used
Over-the-counter NSAIDs like aspirin or ibuprofen can lead to bleeding and other complications after surgery. Your surgeon will talk to you about the medications you can take to reduce pain after your surgery.
Complications/side effects of the treatment
Side effects of NSAIDs include:
- Bowel complications.
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Is There A Way To Prevent This Auto Injury
There are a few things you can do to reduce your risk. First and foremost, always wear your seatbelt when youre in the car. This will help protect your joints and spine in the event of a crash. Additionally, try to avoid any sudden stops or movements during a car accident, as this can also cause joint damage. And finally, where possible, brace yourself for impact by holding onto the steering wheel or dashboard. This will help to minimize the force of the impact on your joints.
What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor
- How long will my post-traumatic arthritis last?
- What can I do to reduce my symptoms?
- What activities should I avoid while Im healing?
- Will I need surgery?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
If youve experienced a trauma, youve already been through so much, and finding out you have arthritis after the fact can be frustrating. Try to remember that for most people, post-traumatic arthritis is a temporary hurdle on your road to recovery. Even if arthritis ends up being a long-term issue, its manageable.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 12/01/2021.
References
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Pathogenic Mechanisms And Role Of Inflammation In Early Phase
The pathogenic mechanisms of post-traumatic arthropathies have been the subject of considerable researches in the past decade, improving the knowledge of the mechanobiological, molecular and cellular consequences of joint trauma. These processes can be temporally separated into three phases: the immediate phase related to mechanic events the acute phase characterised by cell death/apoptosis and inflammatory events and the chronic phase with joint pain and dysfunction . The inflammatory acute phase can spontaneously resolve after a couple of months or slowly progress through a long clinically asymptomatic latency period.1
Pathogenic mechanisms occurring during the immediate and acute phases after joint injury. The initial injury causes structural damage to the matrix of articular cartilage that evolves into several cellular responses ranging from the upregulation of matrix degradative pathways , release of oxidants and inflammatory cytokines, and cell death. â=enhanced concentration of the component â=decreased concentration of the component.
What Is Sudden Arthritis Exactly
The term sudden arthritis refers to inflammation and swelling in the joints with a quick onset, Nicole M. Cotter, MD, a physician board-certified in rheumatology and integrative medicine at UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center, tells LIVESTRONG.com.
According to the CDC, the primary symptoms of arthritis in general are:
- Redness andstiffness in the joints
Some additional symptoms, such as fever and fatigue, can also occur with arthritis.
There are a few possible explanations when the condition seems to appear out of the blue.
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Lower Leg Pain Caused By Veins And Nerve Issues
1. Blood Clot
When blood thickens in veins, it can develop a clot. This typically happens in the thigh or lower leg, commonly leading to pain from knee to ankle. There is a higher risk if you are overweight, on certain medicines, or inactive for a long car ride or flight.
2. Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are caused by weakness in the vein walls or valves and can lead to a dull ache, particularly after standing.
3. Lower-Extremity Peripheral Arterial Disease
This occurs if your legs arteries get damaged and harden. The legs begin to miss needed blood flow, leading to pain or cramps when walking or climbing stairs.
4. Narrowed Spinal Canal and Sciatica
When the spinal canal narrows due to a herniated disc, arthritis of the spine, or another cause, it can lead to weakness, fatigue, numbness, tingling, or cramping, burning leg pain when you sit or stand. It may start in the hip and the back before extending down the leg.
5. Diabetic Neuropathy
This diabetes complication can be due to high blood sugar levels and leads to pain in both legs. It also features less sensation and numbness in lower legs.
When to See a Doctor
You should see your doctor for pain from knee to ankle if you have the following symptoms:
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Compensation Available For Post
If you suffered a fracture in an accident and you develop arthritis down the line as a result, you are entitled to compensation for your arthritis-related costs and injuries. You can add arthritis-based damages to your existing claim, if your case has yet to settle or otherwise end, or file a new claim if you never sought recovery previously. If you identify arthritis-like symptoms, let your personal injury lawyer know so that you can add arthritis injury to your claims.
For post-traumatic arthritis, you could be eligible for damages including:
- Medical bills for examinations, treatment, medications, and medical devices necessary to treat the arthritis in the present and the future
- Lost wages for missed work due to arthritis acting up
- Loss of future earning capacity if your arthritis prevents you from performing your work duties
- Pain and suffering caused by chronic arthritis
- Other emotional and psychological damage, such as emotional distress caused by an inability to do normal, everyday activities due to severe arthritis
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Can A Car Accident Aggravate Arthritis
November 4, 2019 | Catastrophic Injuries
Arthritis occurs when a persons joint becomes inflamed. With regular treatment, most cases of arthritis heal completely, but repetitive workplace injuries to the area or blunt-force trauma in a car accident can cause aggravation to an arthritis injury and cause it to flare up or worsen. Arthritis can affect a persons ability to walk, work, and perform everyday activities, which can lead to a loss of life satisfaction, steep physical therapy fees, and other damages.
What Can I Expect If I Have Post
You should expect to feel some discomfort, but treatment should reduce your pain, stiffness and other symptoms. How long it takes to feel better depends on the original trauma that caused your arthritis. More serious injuries have longer recovery timelines and are more likely to experience complications. Talk to your provider about your specific injury and post-traumatic arthritis.
How long does post-traumatic arthritis last?
Most people have post-traumatic arthritis short-term, usually around a few months. Your symptoms might go away as your body recovers from your trauma. If you experience post-traumatic arthritis symptoms for longer than six months you could have chronic post-traumatic arthritis, which can last for the rest of your life.
Will I need to miss work or school?
If you can do your job or schoolwork without aggravating your arthritis symptoms, you shouldnt need to miss work or school.
Talk to your healthcare provider or surgeon before resuming any physical activities while youre recovering.
What is the outlook for post-traumatic arthritis?
Post-traumatic arthritis is something you might only have for a few months. But, if you have chronic post-traumatic arthritis, youll have to manage it as a long-term condition. Your provider will help you find the best ways to manage your specific symptoms while you heal.
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How Can I Reduce My Risk For Post
Follow these general safety tips to reduce your risk of an injury:
- Always wear your seatbelt.
- Wear the right protective equipment for all activities and sports.
- Make sure your home and workspace are free from clutter that could trip you or others.
- Always use the proper tools or equipment at home to reach things. Never stand on chairs, tables or countertops.
Motor Vehicle Accidents And Arthritis: 3 Things To Know
Motor vehicle accidents can cause a range of injuries. Some conditions, like arthritis, can be aggravated in a motor vehicle accident. Other times, as you will see below, arthritis can take years to develop following an accident.
Here are 3 things you need to know about motor vehicle accidents and arthritis.
Motor Vehicle Accidents And Arthritis: 3 Things To Know
Years later, breaking a bone or tearing a ligament can turn into post-traumatic arthritis. This is true even if you received surgery or used a cast following your accident. In short, damaging your joint increases your chance of developing arthritis by as much as 7X. And, again, even a minor injury can lead to arthritis.
Post-traumatic arthritis can lead to swelling, joint pain, and the accumulation of fluid in the arthritic area. Walking, including up stairs, or playing sports can become difficult.
Post-traumatic arthrosis is best treated with low-impact exercises, strengthening, and certain medications.
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident and are seeking compensation as a result, consider Sean Giovannetti.
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How Do You Treat Post
The signs and symptoms of post-traumatic arthritis can include the following:
- Pain while at rest or during movement
- Joint swelling or inflammation
- Joint stiffness
- Lack of range of motion
It is essential that a person who is suffering from post-traumatic arthritis receive treatment from a trained medical professional. The primary goal of treating patients with post-traumatic arthritis is to minimize the symptoms, reduce pain, and improve functionality. Current treatments for this condition include the use of anti-inflammatory drugs as well as encouraging patients to engage in low-impact exercises and lifestyle changes. For example, patients that are overweight may be asked to lose weight in order to alleviate some of the symptoms of post-traumatic arthritis.
Surgery is only considered for this condition if other treatments fail to properly manage the symptoms. Surgical management of post-traumatic arthritis can vary depending on the joint that is damaged. For example, post-traumatic hip arthritis could be managed with a hip replacement.
What Are The Most Common Spinal Arthritis Treatment Options
One common treatment option that your doctor may recommend is bracing or a cervical collar to restrict your movement.
If theres no improvement after a period of time, your doctor may recommend spine surgery.
He or she will probably also prescribe a painkiller, like acetaminophen , nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen , or prescription opioids such as codeine and morphine.
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Try Natural Pain Remedies
Big Pharmas pain medications dont have a great safety track record. And thats putting it mildly.
In fact, in 2016, researchers found that anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen , naproxen and the prescription drug celecoxib re all equally dangerous for your heart.
On the other hand, natural pain relievers like white willow bark, bromelain, turmeric and devils claw have a safety track record that goes back thousands of years.
And studies show that herbs like these are at least as effective for reducing arthritis pain and inflammation.
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Proving Pta Is Connected To An Accident
To prove your post-traumatic arthritis was caused by the actions of a negligent driver, seek medical treatment immediately after the accident. Keep all documentation about any injuries you sustain, especially those in or near a joint. This includes any X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs.
If you begin to show signs of post-traumatic osteoarthritis or post-traumatic inflammatory arthritis less than three years after the initial injury, make sure your doctor knows about the previous injury and keep all documentation from this visit.
Contact a car accident attorney at our law firm after this appointment to help you determine your next steps.
If you have an underlying joint disease that was exacerbated by the accident, it may be easier to win a personal injury claim. Our skilled car accident lawyers have the expertise and resources to help you prove you have an existing injury that was aggravated by your car crash.
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Missouri Arthritis After Car Accident Lawsuits
Aggravated arthritis can be challenging to prove after a car accident, but can be accomplished by immediately consulting a medical professional. Aggravated arthritis after a car accident in Missouri can be proven with past medical records, as well as a physical examination, x-rays, and blood tests by your doctor.
Car accident claims in St. Louis involving arthritis are generally complex, but with an experienced attorney by your side, you could recover a high settlement for damages. Under Missouris Injury and Workers Compensation laws, if someone causes harm to another person, and aggravates or accelerates the victims arthritis, the injured party can sue the negligent driver for damages.
Typically, compensation for aggravated arthritis claims in Missouri include present or future medical bills, for physical therapy and monitoring of the condition, pain, and suffering, missed work hours, and loss of affection.
Can You Get Arthritis From A Car Accident
A car crash can lead to catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, disability, and more. However, a type of injury that sometimes goes unnoticed is arthritis from car accidents.
The problem may persist and if not treated may lead to post-traumatic arthritis. There may be certain cases in which the symptoms of aggravating joint pain may appear later.
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How To Tell If You Have Post
Post-traumatic arthritis can present with several symptoms. If you experience any of the following symptoms, see a doctor immediately.
- Joint instability
- Sensitivity and tenderness around the joint
Post-traumatic arthritis usually heals on its own within the first few months of the accident. If the symptoms persist after six months, it is considered chronic and may last for the rest of your life.
Inform your lawyer if you have been diagnosed with post-traumatic arthritis by your doctor. They can help you prove how your condition was caused by the accident.
Can A Car Accident Cause Post
September 24, 2019by Patrick Malone
When most people hear the word arthritis, they think of an aging and degenerative condition. However, arthritis itself is defined simply as the inflammation of a joint. Any joint can become inflamed, and that inflammation can occur in numerous ways.
One way arthritis can occur is through a sudden physical injury to that joint. This is known as post-traumatic arthritis, and it affects nearly 5.6 million people in the United States.
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Arthritis Caused By Injuries
Arthritis caused by injuries is known as post-traumatic osteoarthritis and can be triggered by sports injuries or everyday falls. Sometimes when a joint suffers an injury, it doesnt heal properly, and over time the cartilage in the joint deteriorates. This process may lead to pain or stiffness, and in extreme cases, cause advanced deterioration to the point where bones scrape against each other.
Theres no sure way to prevent post-traumatic arthritis following an injury, and about 40 percent of severe injuries lead to osteoarthritis. This arthritis can often appear about 10 years after the initial injury.
Can A Car Accident Cause Arthritis
September 26, 2022 | Car Accident,Personal Injury
Arthritis is characterized by swelling or tenderness and the joints. Individuals may experience arthritis in one joint or in many joints throughout their body. The main symptoms of arthritis include stiffness and joint pain that usually worsen with age. There are various types of arthritis that individuals can be diagnosed with. However, can arthritis be caused by a vehicle accident?
In general, we will find that arthritis is not usually caused by a vehicle accident, but the symptoms of arthritis can certainly be exasperated or triggered by a collision. Here, we want to examine whether or not individuals will be able to recover compensation for arthritis pain after a vehicle accident occurs.
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Hurt In A Car Call William Mattar
Despite how long it can take arthritis to set in, you may be entitled to certain benefits following your car accident, such as rehabilitation and medical expenses. At William Mattar law offices, our personal injury attorneys may be able to help you recover damages for pain and suffering resulting from post-traumatic arthritis. Serving Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, New York City, and Long Island. Contact our car accident attorneys to file a claim today.
Can A Car Accident Cause Arthritis A Guide
Feb 8, 2021 | Injury, Wellness
Being the victim of a traumatic traffic accident is a big deal. Depending upon the severity of the crash, the injuries suffered can range from minor to severe, or even fatal.
Many victims of severe car accidents also suffer from PTSD, brain injuries, or a range of trauma-related mental and physical disorders.
Some physical and mental if injuries will heal, but others may be more persistent. Victims of all ages even report feeling recurring pain in their joints. This begs the question, can a car accident cause arthritis?
The answer is an emphatic yes. Typically, when people think of the cause of arthritis, they associate it with old age, but your joints can become inflamed at any age if the right conditions are met. In the case of severe automobile accidents, your chances of suffering from car accident arthritis are high no matter what.
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