Category: How Your Old Sports Injuries Can
Cause you pain this autumn
People of all ages are increasingly participating in sporting activities. This is a healthy trend however with the benefits does come some risk, namely sports injuries. Most sports injuries are mild and temporary, with no long-term effects. Minor sprains and bruises or overuse injuries treated properly may be nuisances but do not necessarily cause any permanent problems. Some injuries, however, may lead to arthritis later in life.
Arthritis is usually seen as a condition that affects older people but it can also be seen in younger people. It usually occurs naturally, without any specific prior injury however arthritis can be caused following an injury and is therefore referred to as post-traumatic osteoarthritis, or wear-and-tear arthritis.
Arthritis can be a painful and debilitating condition which is the result of disease or damage to articular cartilage. Articular cartilage is found in all major joints of the body, including the hips, knees, and shoulders, as well as the smaller joints and even the spine and pelvis. Arthritis causes pain in the joint as well as inflammation, swelling and stiffness.
What types of injury can cause arthritis?
It is important to understand the types of injury that can go on to cause arthritis in later life. The types of injuries that lead to arthritis include direct injury to the cartilage (as in fractured joints) or injuries that alter joint mechanics, increasing the stress on the articular surface.
The first type is less common in sports, more often seen in motor vehicle accidents or falls from a great height. In these instances, severe bruising of the cartilage surface may lead to permanent injury and eventual arthritis.
The more common way a sports injury leads to arthritis is when a ligament or supporting structure is damaged, causing abnormal mechanics in the joint. This greatly increases the stress on the articular surface, which over time, wears out and causes arthritis. One of the most known examples of this type of this injury is in the knee. Another knee injury that results in arthritis is torn cartilage.
Treatment of arthritis due to sports injuries
As is true in most cases, the best treatment is prevention of the injuries. However, should you have been unlucky enough to have been injured, and the injury sustained as now been affected by arthritis, there are also ways to treat the symptoms:
- The first is activity modification. Try to remain active but bear in mind that you may need to change the way you exercise.
- Occasionally, orthotics braces or supports (such as knee supports) may help.
- Medications such anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen may offer relief.
- Physical therapy, including exercises, is sometimes helpful.
- Occasional joint injections may give some relief.
- When all other measures have failed, surgery ranging from arthroscopy to joint replacement can be performed.
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