A dislocated shoulder can happen to anyone, but they are more common in young men involved in sports and older adults, especially women, are more likely to fall. Shoulder dislocation is a common injury but it can be very painful and limiting. Since the shoulder is the body’s most mobile joint, it is at a higher risk to dislocate easily, especially as a repeat injury.
Your shoulder is made up of three bones: your collarbone, your shoulder blade, and your upper arm bone. The top of your upper arm bone is shaped like a ball and fits into a cup shaped socket in your shoulder blade. A shoulder dislocation happens when the ball pops out of your socket.
There are two different types of shoulder dislocation. A partial dislocation, also known as a subluxation, results when the ball of the humerus bone is only partially out of the socket. A full dislocation results when this bone comes completely out of the socket. The shoulder can dislocate downward, backward or forward.
How do you know if your shoulder pain is due to a shoulder dislocation?
The Most Common Causes of Shoulder Dislocations:
- Sports injuries
- Accidents, including vehicle accidents
- Falling on your shoulder or outstretched arm
- Seizures, which can cause muscle contractions that pull the arm out of place
Symptoms of a Dislocated Shoulder:
- Intense pain in and around the shoulder joint
- Swelling or bruising
- Stiffness, Weakness or numbness in the shoulder joint
- Inability to move the shoulder
You do not need to have all of the above symptoms in order to confirm a dislocated shoulder. If you notice any combination of the above mentioned symptoms, it is best to have your shoulder evaluated by an orthopedic surgeon.
Whether your shoulder dislocation is a first time occurrence or a repeat injury, it is important to have it treated immediately. A surgeon is able to put the joint back into place and provide immediate relief quickly. Following this process, known as a closed reduction, you will likely be referred for physical therapy to help in strengthening the joint to prevent another incidence of injury down the line.
The experienced and dedicated orthopedic surgeons at Ventura Orthopedics are here for you. If you are concerned about problems that you are experiencing with your shoulders, talk to the experts at Ventura Orthopedics today. We are committed to helping you shoulder the pain until optimum health, strength and mobility are restored.
Call us today at 800-698-1280 to schedule an appointment.
