A dislocation is a serious injury where the bones that form a joint are forced out of their normal position. Unlike a sprain, which is a stretch of a ligament, a dislocation involves a bone being completely displaced. This is an urgent medical situation that can cause severe pain and damage to nerves and blood vessels if not handled correctly.
Key Signs of a Dislocated Joint
It is important to be able to quickly identify a dislocation to prevent further harm. Look for these key signs:
- Intense Pain: The pain will be severe and sharp, especially with any attempt at movement.
- Visible Deformity: The affected joint will look visibly out of place or misshapen. For example, a shoulder might appear lumpy or an elbow might have an unnatural angle.
- Inability to Move: The person will be unable to move the affected joint.
- Swelling and Bruising: Significant swelling and bruising will often develop around the joint.
- Numbness or Tingling: If nerves are affected, the person may feel numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles sensation below the joint.
Immediate First Aid for a Dislocation
Your immediate actions are critical. The most important rule is to never try to put the joint back into place yourself. This can cause severe and permanent damage.
- Call for Professional Medical Help Immediately. A dislocation requires an emergency medical professional to safely reposition the joint. If you’re in Bengaluru, call Veer Emergency Care for immediate guidance and assistance.
- Do NOT Move the Joint. This is the most crucial step. Use a sling or a makeshift splint to immobilize the joint in the position you found it. You can use a folded towel, a pillow, or a piece of clothing to support it.
- Apply a Cold Compress. Wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply it to the injured joint for 15-20 minutes to help reduce swelling and pain. Do not put ice directly on the skin.
- Keep the Person Calm. Reassure the person and keep them as comfortable as possible while waiting for help.
- Do Not Give Them Anything to Eat or Drink. In case the person needs to have surgery to fix the dislocation, they will need to have an empty stomach.
Remember
A dislocated joint is not an injury to be taken lightly. It requires expert care to be put back into place properly. For any suspected dislocation, always prioritize professional medical assessment. Veer Emergency Care is here to provide critical pre-ambulance guidance and assistance for these emergencies in Bengaluru.
You can also read this article in: Kannada | Hindi
Other related articles: Elderly Person Fall I Head Injury | Musculoskeletal Injuries