Out of place: treating a joint dislocation
Have you ever experienced a sudden pop or snap in your joint followed by intense pain? If so, you may have suffered from a joint dislocation. This common injury can happen to anyone, from athletes to those with more sedentary lifestyles.
At CityMD, we understand that joint dislocations can be a real pain, so we're here to provide you with the information you need to understand this injury and get the treatment you need.
What causes a dislocation?
A joint dislocation can happen in several ways. Accidents, sports injuries, and falls are all common culprits, as they can put significant pressure on your joints and force them out of their normal position.
People with certain medical conditions or hypermobility in their joints may also be more prone to dislocations. Whatever the cause, joint dislocations can be a painful and limiting injury.
Can a dislocated joint heal itself?
Unfortunately, the answer is no.
Unlike some other types of injuries, dislocated joints won't simply heal on their own over time. In fact, without proper treatment, a dislocated joint can lead to long-term problems like chronic pain, instability, and decreased range of motion.
That's why it’s important to seek medical attention at your local CityMD urgent care as soon as possible if you suspect you’ve dislocated a joint.
What is an example of joint dislocation?
Joint dislocations can occur in any joint in the body, but they're most common in the shoulders, knees, fingers, and hips.
For example, let's say you're playing basketball and you take a hard fall. If your shoulder pops out of its socket, that's a joint dislocation. You'll likely feel intense pain, swelling, and bruising around the affected area. You may also notice that the joint looks visibly deformed or out of place. This is a clear sign that you've dislocated the joint.
Joint dislocation treatment
The first step when treating a joint dislocation is to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Simple joint dislocations, such as the fingers or toes, can usually be assessed and treated at CityMD. Larger joints, however, including the shoulders, knees, or hips may require sedation and are best treated at your local emergency department.
Depending on the severity of the dislocation, our providers at CityMD may recommend the following treatment options:
- Manual reduction. Our provider will gently maneuver the joint back into its proper position. This procedure can be uncomfortable, but it's generally quick and effective.
- Referral to a specialist or the emergency room. We provide referrals to orthopedists for follow-up care. For serious dislocations or large joints, we may recommend visiting the emergency room.
Whatever your treatment plan entails, you can count on CityMD to provide expert care and support throughout your recovery process.
Treating dislocated joints at CityMD
Ready to treat a dislocated joint? Come visit your local CityMD urgent care for quick and easy care from board-certified medical professionals.
Don't let joint pain get the best of you; start striving for medical solutions with your neighborhood urgent care team.
We’re ready to care for you.
Visit any CityMD urgent care location in your community today for an evaluation with one of our expert providers.