Treating Joint Dislocations for the Elderly

As we age, we lose some balance and mobility that can potentially put us at risk of injuries and health issues. At Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions, our goal is to help our patients remain as healthy as possible. We offer various services to help patients deal with injuries and help them lead more independent lives. Please continue reading to learn how we treat joint dislocations. 

What is a Joint Dislocation?

A dislocation is caused by the bones in a joint being forced out of their usual positions. Dislocations are generally caused by traumatic impact injuries such as falls or car accidents. For smaller joints, less impact is needed to drive the joint to dislocate. Joints that have previously been dislocated can become more susceptible to dislocations, as the tissue holding the joint in place may have been stretched. Most of the joints in the body can become dislocated, but some are injured more commonly than others. Shoulder dislocations are most common among adults. Older adults tend to have poorer balance, making them more vulnerable to falls. Ligament and muscle weakness is also an issue that older adults face due to lack of fitness. Dislocations are usually easily visible. The area can be discolored and swollen or may appear deformed as a result. Some other symptoms can include:

• Inability to move the area. 
• Pain during movement. 
• Numbness or tingling in the area. 

Treating Joint Dislocations

If you have a joint dislocation, you should seek out help immediately. Trying to put the joint back in place yourself can lead to further injury. After the joint has been safely moved back into position, you may need a physical therapist to help you rehabilitate. Our team will evaluate your condition and determine the appropriate rehabilitation for your injury. For elderly patients, the goal of rehabilitation is to improve your strength and range of motion and help educate you on how to prevent these injuries from reoccurring. Falls are one of the leading causes of injuries for seniors, so we will work with you to minimize your risk of falls. Some of the ways you can prevent dislocations from occurring could include:

• Using handrails when using staircases. 
• Remove tripping hazards from the home. 
• Physical therapy treatment to improve balance and improve strength. 

Contact Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions

A joint dislocation can be difficult to manage on your own and can keep you from living your life comfortably. At Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions, we offer rehabilitation services that can be done in the comfort of your own home. Contact our team today to learn more about how we can help!