What types of arthritis are common after an injury?

The most common type of arthritis following an injury is post-traumatic arthritis, which makes up about 12 percent of cases of osteoarthritis of the hip, knee and ankle as of 2015, notes Cleveland Clinic. Post-traumatic arthritis occurs when injuries damage cartilage or bones, making joints wear out more quickly.

People with post-traumatic arthritis experience symptoms like joint pain, swelling, fluid accumulation and pain during activities that stress the affected joint, states Cleveland Clinic. While post-traumatic arthritis cannot be prevented, it can be treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and cortisone injections, and in some cases with surgery. People can reduce the pain of post-traumatic arthritis with weight loss, low-impact exercises and by strengthening the muscles around the affected joint.