Treatment. Dislocation

Joint dislocation treatment 

Treatment of a joint dislocation largely depends on the severity of the injury and where it is located. Treatment may include the following:

• Reduction: When a dislocation is “reduced,” the bones are placed back into their normal positions by the doctor. Patients sometimes require local or even general anesthesia, depending on the amount of pain, swelling, and the amount of manipulation of the bones that is required. 
• Immobilization: Once the bones are placed back into position, the joint may be immobilized in a sling or a splint. The immobilization period depends on which joint was involved and how much damage occurred to the joint and the surrounding structures.
• Surgery: If the physician is unable to reduce the dislocation or if the surrounding nerves, ligaments, or blood vessels have been injured, surgery may be needed. Another reason for surgery may be repeated dislocations. This occurs most often in the shoulder.  
• Rehabilitation: When the sling or splint is removed, a rehabilitation program will gradually restore strength and function to the injured joint. 

Joints dislocation home remedies

Certain home remedies for joint dislocation treatment may help in relieving symptoms. Such methods include:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers, including ibuprofen and naproxen sodium.
• Escape any activities that might exacerbate the pain in your joint.
• Several times a day, apply ice or a packet of frozen peas to your painful joint.
• You can relax muscles and increase circulation by using a heating pad, taking a hot bath, or taking a hot shower.

Prevention of joint dislocation

Not all dislocations can be prevented, but the following suggestions may help reduce your risk:

• Practice fall prevention: Make sure you can see where you’re walking. Use a nightlight at home, and if you go out of your house at night, carry a flashlight. Remove all throw rugs and other tripping hazards. Get your eyes checked routinely. If your medications make you dizzy, tell your doctor. 
• Play safe: When you participate in sports, wear the recommended protective equipment. Make sure your kids do this too. 
• Avoid re-injuries: If you dislocate a joint once, you might be more likely to dislocate it again in the future. To help prevent this, strengthen the structures that support your joint by doing stability and strengthening exercises according to your doctor’s instructions.