Shoulder Dislocation
What is a dislocated shoulder?
A dislocated shoulder occurs when a forceful event causes the bone in the upper part of the arm to push out of its socket. This cup-shaped socket houses the shoulder joint, and is part of the shoulder blade. The shoulder joint is very susceptible to shifting out of place because of its free range of motion.
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Symptoms of a Dislocated Shoulder
Like most sports injuries, a dislocated shoulder will worsen if it is left untreated or not treated correctly. This can be very painful and the deformed bone can rub against the nerves in your shoulder.
Other conditions that may arise if a dislocated shoulder is left untreated include:
- Chronic shoulder pain
- Visible deformity of the affected shoulder
- An inability to rotate or otherwise move your shoulder
While these are the main symptoms of a dislocated shoulder, you may also experience numbing or tingling sensations. These tend to start near the affected shoulder and may run down along the nerves of your spine and legs.
If you are experiencing severe symptoms, there may be more damage than you originally thought.
What to Do if You Dislocate Your Shoulder
Causes of a Dislocated Shoulder
Due to the shoulder’s ability to have a free range of motion, the shoulder joint is very susceptible to a variety of injuries. These injuries usually occur when the joint is hit with a force strong enough to pop the joint out of its socket.
Other reasons why your shoulder joint may pop out of your socket include:
- Contact sports injuries
- Trauma not sports related such as falling down
Treatment for a Dislocated Shoulder
When someone sustains a dislocated shoulder, you should stabilize the shoulder joint in a sling as quickly as possible. Once the shoulder has been stabilized, your doctor may recommend one of the following treatments, depending on the severity of the dislocation.
- Surgery
- Shoulder immobilization
- Medication
- Rehabilitation- This can be a lengthy process and involves weeks of physical therapy and exercises that work to regain the muscle strength through repeated weight lifting and daily movement of the joints.
- Closed reduction – For this treatment, your doctor may use several bone adjustment techniques to place your shoulder back in its socket. Most patients experience an immediate decrease in shoulder pain after this treatment is performed.
Most people find that they regain their normal strength in their affected shoulder two weeks after the dislocation. However, once you sustain this injury once, doctors believe you’re more likely to sustain the injury again.
Get Expert Care for a Shoulder Dislocation
If you have experienced a shoulder dislocation or are suffering from shoulder instability, contact Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance today at 414-384-6700. Our orthopedic team in Southeastern Wisconsin will evaluate your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment.