Arthritis is the inflammation of a joint, which can cause a range of symptoms, including pain, swelling, and joint stiffness. Oftentimes, arthritis is the result of many years of wear and tear. Post-traumatic arthritis occurs when your joint becomes inflamed after experiencing a trauma, such as a car accident. You can also develop post-traumatic arthritis if you suffered a fracture, and the bone healed out of place or if the broken bone causes a tear in the ligament. Depending on the nature and severity of the accident, you may recover from post-traumatic arthritis within a few months. Even if the joint injury heals, trauma to a joint can increase the likelihood of developing arthritis in the future. Exercise, physical therapy, and certain lifestyle changes are often part of an effective recovery plan. In more severe cases, you may require surgery if you are suffering from chronic pain or the injury is having a negative impact on your quality of life.