How to Treat a Dislocation

A dislocation is also known as subluxation and may occur in a joint where bones are forced out of their natural positions. Commonly occurring in sports or high impact sporting events, dislocations also often occur as a result of accidents, or even due to disease processes that weaken the structure of joints. Joints most commonly affected by dislocation are the jaw, knee, shoulder and spine and symptoms and treatment will depend on location.Learning how to treat a dislocation may help accelerate the healing process and recovery. Treatments that realign bones after a dislocation is called "reduction", and should be performed by qualified medical caregivers. General measures as well as medications and activities that may be initiated following a joint injury are all important aspects of how to treat a dislocation.

Instructions

1. Watch for signs of swelling or joint pain immediately after an injury.

2. Isolate the area and prevent additional movement by using splints created out of newspapers, magazines, sticks, or anything else at hand. Don't try to realign the bones yourself, as this may cause further injury.

3. Apply ice packs to the area if immediate medical attention is not possible. Elevate the affected area to help reduce swelling and provide pain relief.

4. Offer acetaminophen or ibuprofen for mild pain if necessary. If immediate treatment at a medical facility is available, wait to offer over-the-counter medications to reduce pain and swelling until the individual is seen by medical personnel. In some cases, anesthesia or a muscle-relaxing drug may be given at a medical facility, or other types of stronger pain relievers.

5. Limit activity until given permission from your care provider to engage in range-of-motion exercise. In some cases, physical therapy may be necessary in order to restore range of movement as well as strength.

6. Avoid eating foods or drinking excess fluids before treatment is initiated in case a general anesthetic may be necessary to realign the injured joint. This will help to prevent aspiration of foods or liquids into the lungs when sedated, as well as to prevent complications if surgery is necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear protective gear when engaging in high-contact sports or activities. If you experience difficulty moving a joint after a fall, or if you experience any numbness in the area following an injury, seek medical help right away.

• Call your doctor if you experience dislocations that happen frequently, or if you feel cold sensations or tingling in limbs after an injury.