If a diver experiences "the bends," which body parts are most likely affected?

When a diver experiences "the bends," or decompression sickness, it primarily affects the joints due to the formation of nitrogen bubbles in the bloodstream and tissues when a diver ascends too quickly after being at great depth. The high pressure at depth increases the amount of nitrogen that can dissolve in the body’s tissues. When a diver ascends, the decrease in pressure allows the excess nitrogen to come out of solution, forming bubbles.

These bubbles can accumulate in various body areas, but they often gather in the joints, leading to symptoms such as pain and swelling. This is why joint pain is a hallmark symptom of decompression sickness. Understanding the pathophysiology behind this condition highlights why the joints are the most affected body parts during such an incident.