How to tell if your shoulder is dislocated
If you suspect that your shoulder may be dislocated, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly. A healthcare professional will be able to assess your condition accurately and provide appropriate treatment. However, here are some common signs and symptoms that may indicate a shoulder dislocation:
Visible deformity: The affected shoulder may appear visibly deformed or out of its normal position. The shape of the shoulder may look abnormal compared to the other side.
Intense pain: Dislocating your shoulder can cause severe pain, particularly at the moment of injury and during movement. The pain may be sudden and intense.
Limited range of motion: You may experience difficulty or an inability to move your shoulder normally. You may not be able to raise your arm or rotate it as freely as you typically would.
Weakness or numbness: Some individuals may experience weakness or numbness in the affected arm or hand. This can occur due to nerve involvement or compression during the dislocation.
Instability: You may feel a sense of instability or looseness in the shoulder joint. It may feel like the joint is “slipping” or “giving way.”
If you suspect that your shoulder is dislocated, it is crucial to avoid attempting to relocate it yourself. Manipulating a dislocated shoulder without proper medical knowledge and technique can potentially lead to further injury or complications. Instead, immobilize the shoulder joint by keeping it in a sling or using a makeshift support, and seek immediate medical attention. Here at Easy Orthopedics in Colorado Springs, we frequently see people with shoulder pain.
Can you still move your shoulder if it’s dislocated?
In most cases of shoulder dislocation, the ability to move the shoulder is significantly limited or restricted. However, it’s important to note that the degree of movement may vary depending on the severity and type of dislocation.
During a shoulder dislocation, the ball-shaped head of the upper arm bone (humerus) pops out of the shoulder socket (glenoid). This displacement often results in significant pain and immediate loss of normal shoulder movement. Typically, attempting to move the shoulder will cause increased pain and discomfort.
However, it’s worth mentioning that there are instances where a partial dislocation, known as a subluxation, may occur. In such cases, the shoulder may not be completely out of the socket, allowing for limited movement. It’s important to remember that even if you can move your shoulder after an injury, it doesn’t necessarily mean that a dislocation hasn’t occurred.
Can a dislocated shoulder heal itself?
No, a dislocated shoulder cannot heal itself without medical intervention. When a shoulder is dislocated, the ball-shaped head of the upper arm bone (humerus) comes out of the shoulder socket (glenoid). The joint needs to be properly reduced or realigned by a healthcare professional for the healing process to begin.
Leaving a dislocated shoulder untreated can lead to several complications and prevent proper healing. Without proper treatment, the shoulder joint is at a higher risk of repeated dislocations or ongoing instability. If the anterior labrum is torn when your shoulder dislocates, it will make future dislocations more likely.
Can a shoulder pop out and back in?
Yes, it is possible for a shoulder to temporarily pop out of its socket and then spontaneously relocate back into place. This is known as a shoulder subluxation.
During a subluxation, the ball-shaped head of the upper arm bone (humerus) partially comes out of the shoulder socket (glenoid) but does not fully dislocate. The shoulder may feel momentarily unstable or painful during the episode, and you may experience a popping or slipping sensation. However, the joint relocates on its own without the need for external intervention.
Recurrent shoulder subluxations can be a sign of shoulder instability, where the joint is more prone to repeated episodes of partial dislocation. This may be due to various factors such as ligament laxity, muscle imbalances, or previous injuries. In cases of recurrent subluxations, further evaluation and treatment, such as physical therapy or surgical intervention, may be necessary to address the underlying instability and prevent future episodes.
I hope we were able to answer some of your questions about how to tell if your shoulder is dislocated. If you would like us to evaluate your shoulder pain and are in the Colorado area, contact us below to make an appointment at Easy Orthopedics.
