What Causes Joint Dislocation?

05 Oct What Causes Joint Dislocation?

Joints are the parts of the body in which two or more bones come together and allow for movement. Without them, it’d be impossible to complete the daily activities many of us take for granted. Due to the intricacies of these structures, various issues can compromise their integrity. One such problem is dislocation. At East End Occupational Therapy, our team is well versed in treating ailments relating to the joints. We want to take this time to let you know what can cause a dislocation and how it is treated.

What Is A Joint Dislocation?

A joint dislocation can be a painful and sometimes debilitating injury. It takes place when the ends of your bones that make up the joint are forced out of their normal position. It’s essential to seek swift medical attention when a dislocation occurs to help avoid any permanent damage. When faced with the below symptoms in the affected joint, a dislocation has likely happened:

• Swelling.
• Discoloration.
• Extreme pain.
• Inability to move.
• Visible deformity. 

Which Joints Can Be Dislocated?

One always needs to remember that any joint in your body can be dislocated. While the location of some dislocations can be more problematic than others, each one should still be treated promptly so you can have your quality of life restored. When working with our team, we’ll treat all of the most common joint dislocations, which include the below:

• Fingers.
• Shoulders.
• Knees.
• Hips.
• Elbows.

The Causes Of A Joint Dislocation

By understanding the common causes of joint dislocation, you may prevent them from taking place in the future. Doing so will allow you to spend less time seeking rehabilitation with our team here at East End Occupational Therapy. Although there are situations when a joint dislocation cannot be stopped, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t at least try to prevent them. Some of the most common causes of joint dislocations tend to include the following:

• Contact sports, such as football and hockey.
• Sustaining blunt force to a joint during a fall.
• Motor vehicle accidents.

Risk Factors

Just like there are different causes of joint dislocations, various risk factors make certain people more susceptible to suffering from this type of injury than others. Knowing if you fall into one of these categories will help you understand if you need to take extra precautions to avoid joint dislocation. Rest assured, if this is the case, our team will provide you with preventative care measures to help you remain as healthy as possible. Below are just a few of the risk factors we want our patients to be aware of:

• Having an issue that leaves you more susceptible to falls.
• A genetic disposition where your joints are looser than usual.
• Participating in contact sports.
• Having a history of dislocations.

Treatment For This Injury

As previously stated, it’s essential to seek out treatment right away when dealing with a joint dislocation. If left unchecked, this type of injury can lead to further damage to the associated tissues, blood vessel, and even nerves in the region. Fortunately, our team can help prevent these complications from happening. We can restore your joint to the proper position through various treatment methods and return it’s functionality to normal levels. These treatment methods may include:

• Gentle manipulations to move the bones back in place. 
• Bracing to keep the joint immobilized while the damaged tissues heal.
• Utilize stretches and exercises to facilitate the healing process.    

Contact Us

When you’ve suffered a joint dislocation, don’t wait to seek out medical attention. At East End Occupation Therapy, we are well versed in this area and will provide you with the treatment needed to improve your condition. For more information about joint dislocations or to schedule your appointment for care, contact our team today.