Shoulder dislocation: home treatment. Shoulder dislocation: causes

Dislocation of the shoulder joint is the most common problem related to the musculoskeletal system. The reason is a peculiar design that provides the largest range of movements among all the joints of our body. In this article, we will look at how to recognize shoulder dislocations, symptoms of the disease. Prevention and treatment as important measures to prevent and get rid of the consequences of such injuries will also be described in the presented material.

What is a dislocation?

Dislocation we call the loss of contact of the articular surfaces with each other. Injuries occur most often during sports or traffic accidents. This is especially true for people involved in volleyball, hockey, handball and winter sports. For shoulder injuries , proper diagnosis is necessary.

One of the most complex types of shoulder damage is a dislocation of the shoulder joint. The causes and treatment are established by the doctor upon careful examination of the victim. Further therapy is to restore joint function and prevent complications.

Why does this problem happen?

The most common causes of dislocation of the shoulder joint are injuries during physical activity, a fall on the external (lateral) part of the arm. The cause of the problem can be a strong blow. Sometimes an injury results from a fall from a height, for example, during construction work. On impact, the head of the bone of the shoulder joint is displaced. Depending on the direction in which it has moved, shoulder dislocations can be divided into:

1. Anterior shoulder dislocation of the joint. This is the most common type of displacement, which, as a rule, occurs as a result of falling onto an outstretched arm or shoulder.
2. Back shoulder dislocation of the joint. This kind of displacement can be caused by a direct hit or sharp turns of the shoulder.

Symptoms of a Problem

Dislocation of the shoulder joint can lead to damage to other structures in the shoulder area. How to identify the problem and what to do after the diagnosis of "dislocation of the shoulder"? Symptoms and treatment (first aid) depend on the severity of the injury.

Signs of a dislocation of the shoulder joint:

1. Sudden, very severe pain in the shoulder area.
2. Big swelling or hematoma.
3. Limit joint mobility.
4. Distortion of the outline of the joint, the absence of the head of the humerus, which moves to the armpit area, is felt.
5. The pain increases with an attempt to move the joint (therefore, the patient holds his hand closer to the body).
6. Fainting and fever.

Treatment measures and diagnostics

Dislocation of the shoulder joint is considered a very serious injury. First aid and medical intervention are prerequisites for quick rehabilitation and returning the patient to a normal lifestyle. It is necessary to anesthetize the shoulder joint, which is performed under general anesthesia in order to prevent other injuries during the work of the doctor. Treatment is based on factors determined by the manual method and radiography.

After that, plaster is applied to the shoulder (where the scapular joints) with a bandage. Such immobilization of the limb, as a rule, lasts about 4 weeks. After removing the dressing from gypsum and examining the radiograph, if there is no repeated dislocation of the shoulder joint, rehabilitation becomes a necessary condition for restoring the work of the affected shoulder. It is also recommended to refrain from physical activity for another two to three months.

Sometimes, for the treatment of a diagnosis made by a doctor “habitual dislocation of the shoulder joint”, surgery is a necessary part of the recovery process, as other problems can be identified, such as:

• fracture of the bones of the shoulder;
• muscle or joint bag injuries;
• damage to blood vessels or nerves.

As a rule, arthroscopy is performed. The surgeon makes very small incisions in the tissue through which the camera and instruments enter. If the patient has numerous injuries to the arm and the usual dislocation of the shoulder joint, the operation becomes quite a challenge for the surgeon, after which the patient for a long time (6 weeks) should avoid movement of the upper limb.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is necessary for further treatment. You also need to consider the following nuances:

1. Avoid abrupt movements of the shoulder joint for a short time after removing the cast.
2. Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling.
3. Pharmacological treatment, which consists in taking anti-inflammatory drugs. If the pain is intense, you can ask your doctor to prescribe analgesics. The drug "Nurofen Plus" must be taken every 6 hours in 15 ml.
4. Perform therapeutic procedures. They contribute to analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects (cryotherapy), the restoration of damaged soft tissues (magnetotherapy, laser therapy, ultrasound), increase muscle mass and strength (electrical stimulation), improve blood circulation and tissue nutrition (vortex bath for the upper limb).
5. Massage the tissues adjacent to the joint, relieves stress, and also improves blood supply and nutrition.
6. Mobilization of the shoulder joint.

Performing therapeutic exercises in the initial stage of rehabilitation is best with a psychotherapist. It is necessary to select light manipulations without loading the sore joint, for example: isometric exercises and stretching tasks that stimulate neuromuscular tissue. Gradually, an emphasis exercise is introduced, which strengthens muscle strength and improves the stability and elasticity of soft tissues. At the last stage of treatment, exercises are used for the entire upper limb, increasing strength, controlling movement and work, improving the dynamics of the movements of the shoulder joint.

Kinesiotherapy consists in wrapping the joint with special elastic patches. They have a sensory effect, improve the functioning of the joints. Patches applied to the scapular joints provide stability, improve healing processes and reduce the risk of injury during physical exercises.

Complications

Unfortunately, the diagnosis of “dislocation of the shoulder joint” is quite serious. Rehabilitation and treatment without an accurate diagnosis can lead to numerous complications. These include:

• joint instability;
• damage to peripheral nerves (tingling sensation, sensitivity disorders of the entire upper limb);
• limited range of motion in the joint;
• relapses even after a banal injury;
• degenerative changes in the shoulder joint.
  

Methods for treating shoulder injuries at home

A little relief comes from applying a cold compress to the damaged area if a shoulder joint dislocation occurs . Home treatment for severe injuries is not possible without the provision of qualified medical care. The victim must be taken to a doctor who will take the necessary measures after performing x-rays. During transportation, the hand must be fixed: it can be slightly bent at the elbow, pressed to the chest and wrapped with a bandage to the body.

To alleviate pain, an analgesic or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug should be given (Nurofen Plus or Ibuprofen 15 ml every 6 hours). Recovery usually takes 3-6 weeks.

Then it is recommended to perform stretching exercises of the muscles of the arm and shoulder. After a series of such exercises, when the limb is fully functional, you can return to sports, but only in special clothing, so that in the event of a fall, it prevents dislocation of the shoulder joint. Home treatment and rehabilitation after an injury are possible with systematic stretching exercises so that the muscles are elastic and less prone to damage. In case of muscle strain, for example, after intense training, ice can be applied to the shoulder.

Shoulder dislocation

This is a serious injury associated with the inability to move the arm due to the dislocation of the shoulder joint. Treatment at home (first aid): drink painkillers in the dosage specified in the instructions, attach a hand to the body, and then immediately visit an orthopedist or traumatologist. Such damage is a very serious injury that can lead to the death of nerves and blood vessels.

Tendon stretch

What to do if a sprain and dislocation of the shoulder joint occurred? Home treatment involves the use of a cold compress (it is applied for half an hour), drugs with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects (gels, ointments). They are applied in a thin layer to the damaged area several times a day. It is also necessary to rest your hand, that is, to limit movement.

Shoulder bruise

As a rule, it arises as a result of a sharp fall, which leads to damage to the soft tissues. Signs of a bruise: gradually increasing pain, bruising, swelling. Ice must be applied quickly to the site of injury. This will limit the hematoma and swelling of the soft tissues, unless, of course, a joint dislocation has occurred.

And treatment with folk remedies in this case will not be superfluous: apply cooling compresses or ice cubes wrapped in foil or wrapped in cloth several times a day for 20 minutes. Ointments with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects also bring relief. They are applied several times a day. However, if the pain does not recede, you need to contact an orthopedist, as the injury can be much more serious than you think.

Folk remedies

There are a lot of home methods to eliminate the consequences associated with the diagnosis of "dislocation of the joint." Treatment with folk remedies is aimed at relieving pain. The use of compresses from hot milk is recommended: it is necessary to heat it, moisten the bandages in it and apply it to the sore joint. Finely chopped onions or "dough" from a glass of flour and a spoonful of vinegar helps well. They need to be applied to the damaged area and kept for half an hour.