Dislocation: First Aid

By Matt Unangst, 11 Feb 20:10

A dislocation is a joint injury, resulting normally from a blow or a fall. When a joint is dislocated, the end of one your bones has been forced from its normal position. Dislocations can be incredibly painful.

Although dislocations most commonly occur in contact sports like football or hockey, or in sports that involve falling, such as skiing or volleyball, they can also be caused by a number of diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. They can occur in major joints like the hip, knee, elbow, ankle, or shoulder; or in minor joints like fingers or toes.

A dislocation will make your joint difficult or impossible to move and may deform. Dislocations are often accompanied by extreme pain and swelling. You should get immediate emergency medical attention if you dislocate a joint in order to return your bone to where it belongs.

If you are unable to get medical care immediately, do not move your joint in the meantime. Splint the joint in the position it has been left it after the dislocation. Do not try to reset the bone yourself, as this can cause more severe damage, such as muscle, ligaments, nerve, or blood vessel tears. Ice the joint to reduce swelling. Icing the joint prevents the buildup of fluids inside the joint.

Tags: dislocation, first aid, joint, knee, shoulder, ankle, hip, finger, toe