Understanding Knee Pain
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What Are The Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Arthritis?
The symptoms of post-traumatic arthritis include joint pain, swelling, fluid accumulation in the joint, and decreased tolerance for walking, sports, stairs and other activities which stress the joint.
How is Post-Traumatic Arthritis Treated?
Post-traumatic arthritis is treated similarly to osteoarthritis. Treatment starts with weight loss, low impact exercise and strengthening of the muscles surrounding the joint, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs such as Advil, Aleve, Celebrex or one of many others) are often recommended if you can take them. Arthritic joints can also be injected with cortisone or substances called Hylamers which act like artificial joint fluid. All of these measures are aimed at making the joint more comfortable and functional. They do not cure the arthritis.When the arthritis progresses to the point that these measures are not effective in treating pain and maintaining function, then surgical treatment will be discussed.
Surgical treatment may include debriding ("cleaning out"), reconstructing or replacing the worn out joint surfaces. Post-traumatic arthritis progresses as time goes on, the joint surface wearing out further with more use over the years. Fortunately, when the nonsurgical treatments are no longer effective, surgical treatment can offer lasting relief. Deformity through or around the joint may necessitate the use of computer assisted navigation to restore the joints normal alignment.
Surgical treatment may include debriding ("cleaning out"), reconstructing or replacing the worn out joint surfaces. Post-traumatic arthritis progresses as time goes on, the joint surface wearing out further with more use over the years. Fortunately, when the nonsurgical treatments are no longer effective, surgical treatment can offer lasting relief. Deformity through or around the joint may necessitate the use of computer assisted navigation to restore the joints normal alignment.
