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What are Treatments for Dislocated Joints?

J. Beam
J. Beam

Treatment for dislocated joints varies with the severity and location of the injured joint and can range from ice therapy and immobilization to surgery. With proper treatment, most dislocated joints are able to regain their full function after injury.

Dislocated joints are usually the result of direct injury or trauma to the joint. The most commonly dislocated joints are the knees and shoulders, but dislocation can happen to any joint in the body. Typically, dislocated joints are the result of a workplace injury, sports injury, or accident. When the bones that form the joint become dislocated, the joint works improperly, and the friction created by the improperly placed bones causes pain. Without proper treatment, dislocated joints can cause permanent damage.

Dislocated joints are usually the result of direct injury or trauma.
Dislocated joints are usually the result of direct injury or trauma.

If you suspect injury to a joint due to pain, swelling, or discomfort, you should see a doctor. A doctor will provide a physical examination of the injury and may order image diagnostic testing such as an x-ray. The doctor will likely try reduction, a series of gentle manipulations to set the joint back into its proper place. People who suffer from dislocated joints are usually instructed to keep the joint immobilized and may be given a sling or brace.

The shoulder is one of the most commonly dislocated joints.
The shoulder is one of the most commonly dislocated joints.

Further treatment for dislocated joints usually involves icing the injury to reduce swelling and taking anti-inflammatory medication. Pain relievers might also be prescribed. With proper rest, most dislocated joints heal in time. Injured joints should not be used too much too soon, and they may require gradual physical therapy to regain their full function.

Icing a dislocated shoulder is important to reduce swelling.
Icing a dislocated shoulder is important to reduce swelling.

If a particular joint suffers repeated injury or if the dislocation has caused damage to nerves, tendons, or ligaments, surgery may be necessary. Many doctors prefer to treat dislocated joints non-surgically when at all possible, but certain injuries and circumstances may warrant surgery. If you suffer from repeated dislocation or are not getting relief from a previous injury, you should see an orthopedic specialist. Remember that once you have dislocated a joint, you are more prone to repeat injury of that joint. Avoid activities that could potentially cause re-injury if possible.

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    • Dislocated joints are usually the result of direct injury or trauma.
      By: nebari
      Dislocated joints are usually the result of direct injury or trauma.
    • The shoulder is one of the most commonly dislocated joints.
      By: joshya
      The shoulder is one of the most commonly dislocated joints.
    • Icing a dislocated shoulder is important to reduce swelling.
      By: absolutimages
      Icing a dislocated shoulder is important to reduce swelling.
    • A sling can help to immobilize a dislocated joint.
      By: elsahoffmann
      A sling can help to immobilize a dislocated joint.
    • Dislocated joints may require physical therapy to gradually regain full function.
      By: praisaeng
      Dislocated joints may require physical therapy to gradually regain full function.
    • Dislocated joints may benefit from ice therapy.
      By: Luis Santos
      Dislocated joints may benefit from ice therapy.
    • The shoulder joint often becomes dislocated.
      By: jinga80
      The shoulder joint often becomes dislocated.