There is nothing worse than being sidelined by an injury.  One minute, you’re out on the field and nothing else matters, and next thing you know, your opponent bumps into you and your shoulder is in excruciating pain.  Now you’re wondering…

Did I dislocate something?

A dislocation occurs when a bone slips out of a joint.

For example, the top of your arm bone fits into a joint at your shoulder and if it slips or pops out of that joint, you would have dislocated your shoulder.

What caused it?

Dislocations usually result when a joint experiences an unexpected or unbalanced impact such as if you happen to fall, or make contact in a physical sport.

Who is at risk for a dislocation?

Anyone who experiences a fall or some type of trauma is at risk for dislocating a joint.  But those who are especially vulnerable to facing a dislocation include:

• Older persons who may lack mobility
• Children if they are unsupervised or play in an area that hasn’t been childproof
• Athletes who play contact sports

What are the symptoms of a dislocation?

In some cases, the dislocation is visible, but if this isn’t the case, dislocations have specific telltale signs including:

• Loss of motion
• Visible deformity
• Pain during movement
• Tingling or numbness
• Bruising

How can I prevent dislocation?

You can easily prevent a dislocation by practicing safe behavior.  Some general tips to prevent dislocations include:

• Keeping a first aid kit handy
• Use handrails when going up and down staircases
• Using nonskid mats in wet areas such as bathrooms
• To prevent children from facing dislocations, you can:
• Teach your children safe behaviors
• Supervise children, as needed
• Childproof your home

If you’re an adult and want to protect yourself from dislocations, you should:

• Wear protective gear when doing physical activities and sports
• Avoid standing on unstable items

When should I seek treatment?

Treatment for dislocations should not be delayed; when treated promptly, most dislocations can heal with a few weeks of rest and rehabilitation.  However, if treatment is delayed, there is a possibility that you may experience damage to the nerves, ligaments, and blood vessels.

Injury Treatment at AFC Urgent Care North Andover

At AFC Urgent Care North Andover, our state-of-the-art digital x-ray system allows us to diagnose and treat injuries all under one roof.  You never need an appointment to be seen, but we also have the option to check-in online at a time that works for your busy schedule.

For more information about the urgent care services we provide, please call us at 978-470-0800.