What Can Urgent Care Do For a Dislocation?

A joint dislocation is defined as an injury where a bone is forced out of its normal place. Injuries like this may occur from playing sports, being in a motor vehicle accident, or even falling out of bed.

Dislocations can be extremely painful and should be seen by a medical professional immediately. Specifically, centers such as urgent cares can provide the proper care and medical treatment needed to heal such injuries.

I Have a Dislocated Shoulder: What Should I do?

One of the most common types of dislocations is shoulder dislocations. Since we move our arms throughout the day, the shoulder can be quite susceptible to this type of injury.

For example, a person can dislocate their shoulder simply by taking out the trash. Unfortunately, one nonchalant swing of the arm can cause this injury. People with naturally loose limbs have a higher chance of dislocating their shoulders. It should be noted that those who have already dislocated their shoulder have a higher chance of reinjuring themselves.

There are symptoms of a dislocated shoulder.

• Severe pain
• Swelling
• A noticeable deformity
• Numbness
• Spasms

Again, if you have dislocated your shoulder, you should seek medical attention immediately. An X-ray scan should be administered to thoroughly assess the damage. Thankfully, BASS Primary Care has an X-ray machine readily available.

Treatment for a Dislocation

Afterward the injury, your shoulder bone will be placed back properly into your socket. Depending on the pain severity, conscious sedation may be given to help alleviate the pain. In worse cases, a dislocation may result in torn ligaments and tendons. In this instance, surgery would be required.

Following this, treatment will be needed to help bring you back to full strength. You may need to wear a sling. This will limit the motion of your shoulder to prevent reaggravation. In addition, you may need to alternate between applying ice and heat to the shoulder joint. This will be done to alleviate pain and reduce any swelling. Also, you may be prescribed pain relievers.

What to Avoid During a Dislocation

Understandably, you should also avoid excessively straining your shoulder. You should restrict yourself from participating in activities such as weightlifting or athletics until you are fully recovered.

In most cases, a doctor may recommend you complete a rehabilitation program. With this type of program, there is one primary goal. After it is completed, you should have fully regained your strength and mobility. You should be able to move your shoulder without any pain. This process can take up to 3 months, depending on the severity of your injury.

I Have a Dislocated Knee: What Should I Do?

While not as common, knee dislocations do still occur. Similar to shoulder dislocations, they can be extremely painful. Likewise, they are often caused by sports injuries or car accidents.

A knee dislocation happens when the patella moves out of place. You should seek medical assistance immediately.

Several symptoms occur with a dislocated knee:

• Intense pain
• Inability to straighten out your leg
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Inability to walk

To begin with, depending on the severity of the injury, an X-ray screening may need to be completed. Subsequently, your kneecap will be maneuvered back to its proper place. Similarly to shoulder dislocations, treatment and rehabilitation may be needed to bring you back to full strength. If there are torn tendons or ligaments, surgery will most likely be required.

When To See A Doctor

We understand that dislocations can be extremely painful, however, they can also be properly treated. If you have a joint dislocation, please visit us at BASS Primary Care. Our team of in-house doctors would love to treat you to the fullest of their abilities. We are open Monday to Friday, from 7 AM to 5:30 PM. Give us a call at 925-962-9120, or schedule an appointment online.