6 Dislocated Shoulder Facts and Treatment in Maumee

You can handle minor injuries at home, but shoulder dislocations are different. A dislocated shoulder won't heal on its own, and you could end up with chronic instability without the proper treatment.

Go over some quick facts and seek help from a medical professional if you have a dislocated shoulder.

1. Shoulders are the most common source of joint dislocations.

You can dislocate your knees, hips, fingers and other joints, but shoulder dislocations are by far the most common. Approximately 50% of major joint dislocations are to the shoulders, so if you're dealing with this injury, you're far from alone.

2. Anterior shoulder dislocations happen the most often.

Dislocations are identified based on how the bone moves out of the socket. It can move forward, below or behind the joint. Forward (anterior) movement is the most common. Often, anterior dislocations result from sports injuries or falling on outstretched hands.

3. Symptoms can differ.

Dislocations are painful, but other symptoms depend on whether you have a partial or complete dislocation. Complete dislocations are relatively easy to diagnose because of symptoms like weakness, numbness, swelling, bruising, mobility issues and deformities.

You might experience some swelling and bruising with a partial dislocation, but your shoulder will look similar or the same as before the injury. It can even function normally, although the bone may pop in and out of place. If you experience shoulder trauma followed by pain, seek medical attention for a diagnosis and treatment.

4. Dislocated shoulder treatment is usually non-surgical.

You may need surgery if you have chronic shoulder instability or severe complications from the dislocation. Still, most people fully recover with non-surgical treatment, including putting the bone back in the socket, immobilizing the joint and restoring strength and mobility with physical therapy.

Most people start feeling better within a few days and can start using the joint again with some restrictions. It can take several weeks or months to recover fully, so you'll want to discuss the restrictions with your doctor.

5. You shouldn't put your bone back in place yourself.

The pain from a dislocation is so intense that you'd do almost anything to make it stop. Since the pain goes away when the bone is back in place, that's the first step in treatment. You might think that popping it back in place is so simple that anyone can do it, but you could end up in a much worse situation if you try it yourself. Nerve and blood vessel damage and soft tissue injuries are just some of the potential complications you face if you try it at home.

6. Shoulder dislocation often has accompanying injuries.

Because dislocated shoulders hurt so badly, people don't always realize they also have other injuries. Up to 40% of people diagnosed with anterior dislocation have accompanying injuries resulting from the trauma. There are numerous types of associated injuries you can suffer, with tears, fractures and nerve damage being the most common.

Shoulder Dislocation Diagnosis and Treatment in Maumee

ProMedica Toledo Hospital Emergency and Urgent Care provides patients with quality care and services. Staff are ER-trained to determine patient conditions, and patients only pay for the level of service they receive - either ER or urgent care. The emergency department is open 24/7 and the urgent care clinic is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. You don't need an appointment. All walk-ins are welcome.

ProMedica Toledo Hospital Emergency and Urgent Care is located at 1075 Medical Center Parkway, Maumee, OH 43537.