A shoulder dislocation can cause severe discomfort, swelling and other symptoms that might affect your everyday life. Without proper treatment, symptoms might get worse or complications might occur, such as muscle tears and nerve damage. Knowing more about shoulder dislocation treatment can help you understand your options better. The following tips can also help you lower your risk of dislocating your shoulder.
Seek Medical Treatment
Getting proper treatment for this type of shoulder injury is important. Otherwise, you could be at risk of injuring your shoulder again or developing more serious problems. Medical treatment options for a dislocated shoulder include medication for pain relief, immobilization with the use of a sling or splint, and rehabilitation exercises to improve your range of motion. In some cases, doctors are able to physically move the shoulder bones into place gently. In other cases, surgery might be needed to correct weakness in the joint or to reduce the risk of having recurring dislocations.
Take Care of Your Injury at Home
After you seek medical care for a shoulder dislocation, you can use lifestyle changes and other remedies to relieve pain and other symptoms. These might include resting your shoulder joint, applying ice or heat to the area and easing discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers. When using heat or cold, start with cold packs for the first couple of days, then switch to heat to ease inflammation. You should only apply cold packs or heat for up to 20 minutes. Home care might also involve moving your shoulder to maintain its flexibility, but make sure you do this with help from a physical therapist or your doctor.
Lower Your Risk of a Shoulder Dislocation
How can you reduce the risk of dislocating your shoulder? One of the most effective ways to lower this risk is by avoiding falls and similar accidents as much as possible. Keep in mind that being physically active, especially if you play contact sports, might raise your risk of falls and dislocated shoulders. You should always have protective gear on while playing sports that tend to be rough, since these activities can increase your risk of injuries. You can also reduce your risk of a dislocated shoulder by exercising on a regular basis, since this helps your shoulder joint stay flexible and strong. This strength and range of motion help make your shoulder joint less susceptible to injuries. Since a shoulder dislocation can raise your risk of having this occur again. It’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations for exercises.
If you need treatment for a dislocated shoulder, please contact Huntington Orthopedics to make an appointment. Our orthopedic team can evaluate your shoulder injury and provide effective treatment.