Can Car Accidents Cause Arthritis?

Most people don’t associate arthritis with car accidents. Instead, it is associated with aging or loss of bone function. The majority of the population doesn’t realize that it is definitely possible for car accident victims to experience arthritis, although some may not notice symptoms immediately.

This doesn’t mean that you can’t recover compensation for arthritis after a car accident. You will need to submit proof that it was caused by the accident and happened after the fact. The following information offers invaluable insight that can sway your car accident claim

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What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a degenerative disease that affects the joints. Essentially, arthritis is the swelling and inflammation around joints that leads to discomfort and loss of mobility. There are over 100 types of arthritis that cause chronic pain and can impact anyone regardless of age, gender, race. According to the CDC, a significant population of Americans suffer from arthritis.

In the United States, 23% of all adults, or more than 54 million people, have arthritis. It is a leading cause of work disability. The annual direct medical costs are at least $140 billion. The most common types of arthritis include:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Degenerative arthritis
  • Inflammatory arthritis
  • Metabolic arthritis
  • Infection arthritis

Some misinterpretations cause people to believe that arthritis is caused by:

  • Old age
  • Cold weather
  • Poor diet

The reality is far from those misbeliefs. It is important that inaccurate and misleading information around arthritis is cleared up so that people living with it can get the help they need.

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Car Accident where one car rearended another

What Causes Arthritis After a Car Accident?

The intensity during a car accident is powerful enough to cause serious damage to the muscles, bones, and tendons in your body. After the accident, your joints can feel out of place or swollen due to the impact. Arthritis after a car accident is actually referred to as post-traumatic arthritis.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Post-traumatic arthritis is the wear and tear around joints in the body as a result of physical injury. This condition can begin after a car accident, a fall, or a high-impact sporting injury.

This disorder becomes more noticeable when uncared for and could possibly result in permanent damage. Unfortunately, this disease does not just go away.

close up of two hands, one holding the other's wrist, with the wrist highlighted in red to reference pain
close up of two hands, one holding the other's wrist, with the wrist highlighted in red to reference pain

Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Post-traumatic arthritis is the wear and tear around joints in the body as a result of physical injury. This condition can begin after a car accident, a fall, or a high-impact sporting injury.

This disorder becomes more noticeable when uncared for and could possibly result in permanent damage. Unfortunately, this disease does not just go away.

Confident black doctor in face mask and gloves

Symptoms and Diagnosing Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Initially, signs of post-traumatic arthritis may not be visible. It could occur early in some, but it is possible that there could be no signs for almost 10 to 20 years after the trauma.

The most common signs of post-traumatic arthritis include:

  • Joint pain
  • Swelling
  • Stiffness
  • Soreness
  • Fluid build-up
  • Weakness
  • Unsteadiness

In this case, age and weight are factors that can bring about how severe these symptoms are and how prevalent they will be.

Post-traumatic arthritis can be diagnosed through X-rays, ultrasounds, and MRIs. These high energy tests allow doctors to see images of the affected areas. They can also perform a series of blood tests and ask about family medical history, which can help them identify what type of arthritis you have.

Contact Our Experienced New York Car Accident Lawyers

The Barnes Firm has a proven track record of helping clients recover compensation from settlements and verdicts. Our best car accident lawyers in New York have years of knowledge and experience working with personal injury. In each case, they’ve put extensive effort in preparation to get their clients the best results possible.

Our proficiency in injury law has granted us awards and accreditations on listings like Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. To schedule a free consultation and speak with an experienced car accident attorney today, complete an online contact form or call (800) 800-000 at any time.

The Barnes Firm (800) 800-0000

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