The joints are a critical part of the body. They allow for smooth movement by reducing friction between the bones and ligaments. Experiencing joint pain after being involved in a motor vehicle collision could point to damage to the joint itself, or it may be a symptom of another type of injury. Seeking medical attention immediately after a car accident is important to diagnose the cause of joint pain and start treatment as soon as possible. Your treatment may be covered with the help of a Las Vegas car accident claim with Koch & Brim.
What Can Cause Joint Pain After a Car Accident?
A motor vehicle collision can impart a great deal of force into the cabs of the vehicles involved. This force can move the occupants’ bodies violently around and inflict a number of injuries. The joints may suffer damage from blunt-force trauma against various parts of the body or a twisting movement in the back or limbs. The following injuries could cause joint pain after a car crash:
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Overstretched or torn ligaments
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Herniated spinal disks
- Nerve damage
- Cartilage damage
- Dislocations
- Broken bones
Joint injuries that occur in a car accident can have a significant impact on the victim’s daily life and abilities, such as causing chronic pain and discomfort when moving. Since the symptoms of a joint injury may not arise immediately, it is critical to seek medical attention right away after a car accident for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis From Car Accident Injuries
One potential outcome of a car accident is a condition known as post-traumatic arthritis, which is a type of joint inflammation that can occur after the body suffers a traumatic injury. This condition can cause chronic pain, stiffness and swelling in one or multiple joints. It can arise if the joint becomes inflamed due to the impact of an injury. Victims may experience the symptoms of post-traumatic arthritis for weeks or months after a car accident. Unfortunately, even if a joint injury from a car accident heals, the trauma inflicted on the joint increases the likelihood of developing arthritis in the area in the future. Being aware of this risk can help victims make certain lifestyle choices to help prevent arthritis.
How to Treat Joint Pain After a Motor Vehicle Collision
It is important to get treated by a doctor immediately after a car accident, whether or not you have noticed the symptoms of an injury. Many common car accident injuries, including joint injuries, have hidden and delayed symptoms. Your adrenaline from the crash may mask joint pain. Seeing a doctor without delay can lead to prompt joint injury diagnosis, even before symptoms arise. Measures such as x-rays, MRIs and CT scans can be used to identify the root cause of joint pain. Once a diagnosis is made, treatments can begin to address the cause of the pain and treat the underlying injury. Treatments may include injections to reduce inflammation, medications such as muscle relaxers or pain relievers, physical therapy to improve range of motion, and bracing the area to provide greater stability.
Seeking Financial Compensation for Joint Pain After a Las Vegas Car Accident
Joint pain caused by a car accident can affect a victim for the rest of his or her life. Even if the pain is temporary, it can lead to damages such as medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In Nevada, car insurance laws allow a victim to seek financial compensation for all of these damages and more through an insurance claim against the at-fault party. If you have suffered an injury that has given you joint pain in a car accident in Las Vegas, contact an attorney at Koch & Brim, LLP for a free consultation about your legal rights and recovery options.