Shoulder dislocation can occur when the head of the upper arm bone (humerus) slips partially or fully out of the socket (glenoid) of the highly mobile shoulder joint. If you are experiencing severe pain and suspect a shoulder dislocation, you should proceed to the emergency room. Otherwise, if you have symptoms like swelling, numbness, weakness, and bruising in your shoulder area, you should still seek medical attention right away, because the joint can become increasingly swollen and painful over time. For proper diagnosis and treatment, you are encouraged to consult with the orthopaedic specialists at Tampa Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Group. We are experienced in treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, and we offer both conservative treatment options and surgical repair to help you find relief from pain and muscle spasms and return to your active lifestyle in Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, or the surrounding FL areas.
After diagnosing a shoulder dislocation, an emergency room physician can reposition your arm bone in the socket, which should provide some immediate pain relief. Complete recovery usually occurs within three to 12 weeks, but it’s important to remember that everyone heals at a different rate. To manage the residual symptoms of a dislocated shoulder, conservative treatments are often helpful. A physician at the Tampa Orthopaedic clinic in Tampa, Florida, can recommend a customized program for you that might include:
- Ice applied to the shoulder for 20 to 30 minutes every three to four hours
- A sling to immobilize the shoulder
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
In cases of severe shoulder dislocation, surgery might be needed to correctly position the bones. In addition, repeated shoulder dislocation can sometimes lead to chronic instability and weakness. To treat chronic shoulder dislocation, surgery is sometimes recommended to tighten the tendons around the joint.
If you have severe pain and suspect a shoulder dislocation, you should go to the emergency room. If you have any other form of shoulder discomfort, please feel free to contact Tampa Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Group to schedule a consultation with a Board-certified orthopaedic surgeon or sports medicine doctor. Our highly personalized approach to practicing medicine has earned us the trust of patients throughout Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and the surrounding FL communities.
