Dislocations

When should I suspect a joint dislocation?

Joint dislocations are extremely painful, even more so than strains or sprains. You not only feel pain when the joint is dislocated, but also when it’s put back into place.

You may also notice:

• Swelling
• Bruising 
• Joint instability
• Loss of joint function
• Visible joint deformity

The severity of these symptoms depends on the location of the injury and the extent of the dislocation. 

What causes joint dislocations?

Joint dislocations can result from trauma, such as from sports play, a fall, or car accident. Some people are more susceptible to joint dislocations, especially if they have weak muscles and tendons surrounding the joint. 

Once you dislocate a joint, the more likely the injury is to happen again. This is especially true of the hip joint. Each dislocation further weakens the muscles surrounding the femur and pelvis, so they have more difficulty holding the hip in place. 

What joints are subject to dislocation?

The most frequent joints that suffer from dislocations are:

• Shoulders
• Ankles
• Knees
• Elbows
• Fingers
• Hips

A dislocation of the hip occurs when the femur slips out of its socket within the pelvis.

What is the treatment for joint dislocations?

You should never try to correct your own dislocated joint. Medical care from experienced orthopedists, like those at Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center, is necessary to reposition your joint and promote healing. 

Once your joint has been realigned, your provider recommends you wear a brace to support the joint and prevent future dislocation. This is particularly true when it comes to the hip joint. 

You also need to rest the affected joint to allow the area to heal and prevent reinjury. Icing the joint for 10-15 minutes at a time and physical therapy to strengthen muscles around the joint also improves healing and reduces your risk of future dislocations. 

If you have experienced a joint dislocation, contact Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center right away to have it repositioned.