Joint instability can occur when the bands of connective tissue that surround a joint – such as a shoulder, knee, hip, or ankle – become weak or injured, causing the joint to feel loose and unstable. Residents of the Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater, Florida, areas who are experiencing instability in one or more joints should promptly consult with an orthopedic physician who can to design a treatment plan to correct the underlying cause of the problem.
There are several factors that may trigger joint instability, one being overuse. Repetitive strenuous motions can overstretch ligaments, eventually causing an unstable sensation in the joint. People who have experienced traumatic injuries may also feel instability, while others are born with “double jointedness,” a condition characterized by multidirectional joint instability that is present at birth.
The best course of treatment will all depend on what joint is affected and the active lifestyle of the patient, but generally speaking, physicians will often recommend one or more of the following:
- Avoidance of aggravating movements and activities
- Medicine, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, to relieve pain and inflammation
- Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles surrounding the unstable joint
- Arthroscopic or open surgery to repair the torn or strained ligaments that support the unstable joint
Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group – a division of Florida Medical Clinic – offers individualized joint instability treatment from our two board-certified physicians: orthopedic surgeon Dr. Daniel Murphy and sports medicine specialist Dr. Arnold Ramirez. In collaboration with a team of physical therapists and nurses, Dr. Murphy and Dr. Ramirez offer friendly, well-rounded care to patients experiencing varying degrees of joint instability.
Contact Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group today to learn more about our joint instability treatment options. Our office is conveniently located for residents of Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater, FL.
