When an injured joint develops arthritis later on
An orthopedic surgeon and a physical therapist on joint pain that appears down the road
Some injuries raise the chance of arthritis later. These include a fracture that reaches into a joint, a dislocation or damaged cartilage. The joint may turn painful, stiff or swollen during normal use. That can happen even after the broken bone has healed. An orthopedic surgeon checks whether the cause is arthritis or another problem that can be treated. A physical therapist helps you regain movement, strength and trust in the joint. [1, 2]
Ask for a new look at the joint
Explain where it hurts and what activity sets it off. Say how long the stiffness lasts and whether swelling comes after. Bring your old surgery and imaging reports. An exam and new imaging may show changes in the joint space. They may also turn up a different problem, like a tendon issue or irritation from hardware. [2]
Fever, a hot red joint or sudden severe pain needs a prompt medical exam. Don’t write off every new pain as normal wear and tear. [2]
Step up treatment one rung at a time
Ask which low impact activities keep you moving without flaring the joint again and again. Building up the muscles around the joint can take some load off during daily tasks. Talk with your doctor about which pain medicines are safe with your other health conditions. A brace or a support device may help some people. [1, 2]
Pain may still get in the way of sleep, work or basic tasks. If so, ask whether injections or surgery make sense for that joint. No one plan fits every injury. [1, 2]
Track the goals you care about
Pick a practical goal, like walking to the store or climbing the stairs at home. Over a few weeks, keep track of pain, swelling and what you can do. That pattern tells your doctor more than a single pain score. If you stick with the plan and your function still slips, ask to be checked again. [2]
Questions to ask about your joint
- What is causing the joint pain I have now?
- Which exercises and aids suit my injury?
- When should we think about another treatment?
Choose one goal and three symptoms to watch
Before your next orthopedic or therapy visit, write down one activity goal. Add three symptoms you plan to track. [2]
Sources and further reading
- 1National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases osteoarthritis
- 2National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases osteoarthritis diagnosis and treatment
General education from the viewpoints of orthopedic surgery and physical therapy. Joint pain that is new or getting worse can have several causes. Get it checked instead of assuming it’s arthritis.
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