When Should You See A Doctor For Elbow Dislocation Treatment?

Elbow dislocation is a condition where the bones of your elbow become displaced from their normal position at the elbow joint. The bones affected in elbow dislocations include the following:

• Humerus
• Ulna, and
• Radius

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An elbow dislocation can happen if you attempt to break a fall by extending your arm while keeping it straight. There are two main types of elbow dislocation that may warrant an appointment with a specialist for elbow dislocation treatment. They include:

• The simple elbow dislocation: For this dislocation, your ulna and radius would be out of alignment with the humerus at the elbow joint. The bones would be shifted but do not involve any fractures.
• Complex elbow dislocation: This form involves a combination of a simple dislocation along with a fracture in one or more of the bones, such as the humerus, ulna, or radius.

This guide explains when you should see a doctor for elbow dislocation treatment. We also discuss at length what may happen if you leave a dislocated elbow too long. Keep reading!

How do I know if I Should See a Doctor for Shoulder Dislocation Treatment?

It may not be easy to tell outright if you should see a specialist for elbow dislocation treatment. Pay attention to the following indicators and symptoms if you are unsure whether you should seek medical attention for shoulder dislocation treatment:

1. Deformity: Any visible deformity in your shoulder is a strong indicator of a dislocation. It doesn’t really matter whether it is only an abnormal shape or position. See a specialist for immediate medical evaluation.
2. Shoulder Instability: A recurring feeling that your shoulder is slipping out of joint or is unstable is a sign of an ongoing issue that needs medical attention. It suggests that the structures supporting your shoulder joint may be compromised.
3. Shoulder Pain: Significant and persistent pain in your shoulder, particularly at the joint, is another warning sign. Dislocated shoulders can be extremely painful, and seeking medical treatment can provide relief and prevent further damage.
4. Limited Range of Motion: If you find it difficult or impossible to move your shoulder, it suggests that the joint may be dislocated. The inability to perform everyday activities or move the arm freely should prompt a visit to a healthcare professional.
5. Numbness and Tingling: Numbness, tingling, or a “pins and needles” sensation in your shoulder, arm, or hand could be indicative of a nerve problem. It could have been caused by nerve compression or stretching during a dislocation. Prompt evaluation is necessary to prevent complications.
6. Swelling, Bruising, and Inflammation: Dislocating your shoulder can cause significant swelling. It may also cause bruising and inflammation in the affected area. These symptoms often occur due to soft tissue damage associated with the dislocation. Seek medical assessment to manage these symptoms and prevent further complications.

To diagnose a shoulder dislocation, an orthopaedic specialist will conduct a thorough examination. They will review your medical history, and likely order imaging tests. These tests may include:

• X-rays
• CT scans
• MRIs, or
• Musculoskeletal ultrasounds

These diagnostic tools help assess the extent of the injury. They can also help identify associated fractures.

Most importantly, they can be used in the evaluation of the condition of ligaments and tendons. Based on the diagnosis, an appropriate treatment plan will be determined. Your doctor and their team may recommend non-invasive treatments like:

• Rest
• Immobilization with a sling
• Ice, and
• Pain management

Usually, just or a combination of these non-invasive treatments is sufficient. However, you have a severe dislocation you may require surgical intervention to realign the joint. Surgery may also be recommended for repairing any damaged structures.

How long does it take for a Dislocated Elbow to Heal Fully?

Many people ask, what is the healing time for dislocated elbow? Here’s the answer:

Following a successful relocation of a dislocated elbow the healing process typically takes around six weeks. It may take longer though for the ligaments to heal fully. In the initial weeks, for simple dislocations, a splint or sling is usually used to immobilise the elbow. During the early stages of recovery, range-of-motion exercises or physical therapy are crucial to prevent stiffness in the joint. As the healing progresses, strengthening exercises may be introduced. To care for yourself at home during the recovery period, follow these guidelines:

1. Elevate your arm: You want to reduce the pain and keep the swelling down following your treatment. To achieve this, please keep your arm elevated above the level of your heart. You can maintain this by placing your arm on a pillow resting on your chest or side. Elevating your arm is especially important in the first 48 hours after the injury.
2. Apply ice packs: Use an ice pack on the injured area for 20 minutes every 1 to 2 hours on the first day. Wrap a plastic bag of ice cubes in a thin towel to create an ice pack. Be cautious to prevent the cast or splint from getting wet as the ice melts. Use the ice pack 3 to 4 times a day for the next two days to reduce the pain and swelling. You can still continue usage as needed afterwards to manage these symptoms.
3. Keep the splint or cast dry: It’s very important that your splint or cast remains completely dry at all times. When bathing, keep the splint or cast out of the water and protect it with a large plastic bag secured at the top end. If a fibreglass splint or cast gets wet, you can use a hair dryer in a cool setting.
4. Pain management: Unless alternative pain medication has been prescribed, you can use the OTC pain medications. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen should help control the pain. If you have chronic liver or kidney disease or a history of stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding, consult your healthcare provider before using these medicines.
5. Avoid physical activity: Do not participate in sports or PE until your doctor gives you the all-clear to do so.

Follow-up care is essential, so schedule appointments as your healthcare provider advises. Ask your provider about the appropriate timing to start range-of-motion exercises to maintain flexibility in the elbow joint. If X-rays were taken, a radiologist will review them and inform you of any new findings that might affect your care.

The Bottom Line

It is crucial not to ignore shoulder dislocations or attempts to relocate the joint yourself without medical guidance, as improper reduction can lead to further complications. Seek timely medical attention so that you can get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

This way, you will have better chances of optimal recovery and even better; prevent long-term complications like recurrent dislocations or chronic instability. If you’re in Singapore, contact us now to schedule a consultation with an experienced orthopaedic specialist. Call or visit us at:

Artisan Sports & Orthopaedics Surgery
290 Orchard Road,
Paragon Medical Centre #07-12,
Singapore 238859
(65) 8909 8877
https://www.artisanorthopaedics.sg/

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