Dislocated Shoulder: Here's What You Should Know

An injury such a dislocated shoulder is classified as serious, but not enough to warrant an immediate visit to the emergency room. Patients are advised to see an Orthopaedic London specialist right away or to head to the nearest urgent care centre for professional treatment. Despite knowing that this is the best course of action, some patients tend to make rash decisions in the moment of panic.

To avoid going into a full-blown panic in the event of you or a loved one dislocating a shoulder, here are some helpful and important medical reminders:

The Common Causes

A dislocated shoulder is considered one of the most common injuries in the world. Up to 25% of the entire population will experience a dislocation at least once in their lifetime. The injury is usually caused by a fall on a hard surface or getting hit during any contact sport like rugby.

No matter the cause, it is always best to seek professional medical attention instead of trying to pop the shoulder back into the socket.

Lookout For Signs And Symptoms

Those who have never experienced a shoulder dislocation may find it hard to determine whether their injury is a dislocation or just a sprain. To help prevent misdiagnosis, here are the signs and symptoms of a dislocated shoulder:

Inability to move the arm independently,

Excruciating pain when the arm or shoulder is being moved,

The shoulder no longer look round, but is instead an odd square shape,

A lump or bulge can be seen just under the skin right in front of the shoulder, this is the top of the dislocated arm bone.

What To Do When You Have Dislocated Your Arm

If you notice any of these signs and symptoms it is highly possible that you may have a dislocated shoulder. Even if not all of the symptoms mentioned apply to your current state, it is best to follow these instructions:

Seek Medical Attention Right Away

Head to the nearest urgent care centre or call an orthopaedic London specialist for a consultation. The urgent clinic can provide you with the care needed, but a specialist will be able to determine if the injury is, in fact, a dislocation at once and provide treatment immediately.

DO NOT Pop The Shoulder Back Yourself

Despite what the movies show us, popping your shoulder at home after it has been dislocated is not easy nor is it recommended. The chances are, you will damage your shoulder further while causing your arm a great deal of pain. Ask someone to drive you to seek medical attention right away instead to avoid the risk of aggravating your injury.

Stay Still

While waiting to see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment, avoid moving your upper arm too much. This will only cause a lot of pain and discomfort.

Secure And Support The Arm

Place a nice soft folded blanket on the space between the arm and the chest to serve as a soft support system for the dislocated shoulder. The barrier will also prevent you from moving too much. If possible, try to put your arm with the elbow at a right angle on a sling for added support and to ease the pressure from your arm.