What kinds of injury happen to joints?
A joint can be injured suddenly, as in a sports or auto accident or fall, or gradually, from chronic stress. Professional sports people are at great risk for both types of joint injury. They do ongoing training as well as engage in their competitive sport. If a joint is injured by a strong sudden impact, it’s an obvious injury like a sprain or break. That can be mended and life continues as before. If a joint is injured gradually by repeated stress and strain, the cartilage pad which protects the bones from each other can become worn or displaced. Then it hurts to move that joint. Painkillers are a temporary solution and surgery will eventually be required.
