Elbow dislocation can occur as a result of several situations. These can include car accidents and sports injuries. The most common occurrence is when the arm gets overstretched while trying to absorb a fall. The body can crush the arm and cause the elbow to become dislocated. Sometimes there can be an undetected partial dislocation, so it is paramount to check for symptoms and visit a doctor immediately after any injury to the bones and joints. If you recently had an injury, make an appointment with our orthopedic in East Meadow, NY, to get an evaluation.
Common Symptoms
- Deformity
- Immobility
- Joint Pain in the Elbow
- Swelling
- Numbness
Any swelling and bruising is completely normal after the body experiences a traumatic injury that involves a severe impact on the body, such as a fall. The critical thing to do is to act right away when you notice any symptoms, even if they are after that incident, such as a slight deformity or pain in the impacted area.
If you are experiencing numbness, it may indicate that the nerves have been overstretched or damaged. If this is the case, immediate attention is necessary. Our orthopedic in East Meadow, NY, will thoroughly examine the injury and provide treatment and information on any symptoms you are experiencing.
Treatment Options
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, we recommend you visit an orthopedist as soon as possible to avoid any problems developing. While some dislocations may be minor, a more significant dislocation could have impacted blood vessels and nerves, which can cause irreversible damage, making it necessary to amputate the entire arm. However, there is always a treatment option, and our orthopedists at Dines Orthopedics are ready to help! Visit our office or website to schedule an appointment with our orthopedic in East Meadow, NY.
When you visit an orthopedist, they will examine the injured area to assess the severity of the damage and create a plan for your recovery. Your recovery may include reconstruction surgery and physical therapy to restore strength and mobility.
After receiving a treatment plan for your Orthopedist and getting the critical care you need, there are some steps you can take to aid your recovery and improve your comfort. These include:
- Using pain or anti-inflammatory medications
- Wearing a splint during all daily activities, or as recommended by your doctor
- Applying ice or heat packs to help with pain management.
The elbow is an important joint that helps in our day-to-day activities more than we can recognize, so it’s crucial to address any injury immediately. After receiving proper treatment promptly, the dislocated elbow should heal in about 3 to 6 weeks. However, it may take several more months of recovery before engaging in active sports that use the elbow extensively. For help with your elbow dislocation, visit our orthopedic in East Meadow, NY, to receive proper treatment.
Common Complications After Treatment
It’s important to remember that treatment for an injury such as an elbow dislocation is a process that takes time. While it would be great if everything was perfect in a month and a half, other complications can arise. Every person will heal differently depending on the severity of the dislocation, whether damage occurred in the nerves or blood vessels, and the number of previous dislocations. Some common complications are:
- Continued Stiffness
- Inability to Straighten Arm Completely
- Repeat Dislocations
- Elbow Arthritis
Dines Orthopedic in East Meadow, NY
It’s essential to follow the treatment plan thoroughly and continuously check on the injured area, even after healing is complete. If any of these complications arise, our orthopedists will be with you every step of the way. We are committed to seeing your recovery through! To learn more about our services, check out our website.