Joint instability can result from weakened muscles, ligaments, tendons, or other tissues surrounding a joint bone, such as a shoulder, hip, knee, or ankle. Patients in Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and other nearby Florida cities can receive effective treatment for this painful condition from the renowned surgeons and physicians at Tampa Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Group.
During both movement and rest, joints are held in place by strong bands of connective tissue. Joint instability occurs when these supportive ligaments, muscles, and tendons become loose or torn and can no longer properly secure the joint. Joint instability usually arises in one of three ways:
- Overuse – Repetitive motion can stretch affected ligaments over time, leading to a persistent sensation of looseness and joint instability. One such injury commonly results from the explosive movement patterns and highly intensive muscle work required when playing tennis, which can lead to shoulder joint instability.
- Trauma – Through an accident or fall, ligaments may be torn or stretched, rendering a joint unstable and prone to dislocation. For example, a torn meniscus can create knee structure problems and knee joint instability.
- Genetic multidirectional instability – A condition often referred to as “double jointedness,” multidirectional instability is sometimes present at birth. Affected individuals may feel their joints “give out” and dislocate to the back, side, or front.
Joint instability treatment can vary based on the location of the damaged joint. Following a thorough examination and proper diagnosis, the orthopaedic specialists at Tampa Orthopaedic will fully educate you on your treatment options and answer any questions you may have. Initial steps typically seek to alleviate discomfort and inflammation through the administration of pain medication and avoidance of aggravating activities. Should we determine that surgical intervention offers you the best opportunity for improved mobility and quality of life, our Board-certified, highly skilled orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Daniel Murphy, will discuss the recommended procedure in detail, including the risks and benefits, to help guide your decision.
Contact Tampa Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Group today for additional information about joint instability, or to schedule a personal consultation. Our friendly, professional staff welcomes patients from South Tampa, New Tampa, Westchase, Brandon, Riverview, Oldsmar, and all other nearby FL cities.
