Accidents and sports activities can often lead to injuries such as minor fractures dislocations and more. This type of injury needs to be evaluated carefully so that all of the damage can be accurately assessed before any treatment is given.

Symptoms

When there is a dislocation, it will be rather obvious that one or more bones are out of place. The joint will be deformed and it will also be very painful. There will also be swelling with it, and discoloration. The person will not want to move it because of pain.

Any joint in the body can become dislocated. Because of the type of injury and the joint being out of place, it will be very difficult to distinguish a dislocation from a broken bone. It will be necessary to see a doctor for further examination.

In a dislocation, there is a great potential for further damage since the bones are not where they should be. Muscles, joints, cartilage, blood vessels, and ligaments can be damaged if the bones are allowed to move freely. This is why it is important to try and immobilize the joint right away.

Diagnosis

When a patient has minor fractures dislocations, etc., the doctor will need to take an x-ray to be sure of all the damage. Some fractures may not show up in x-rays. If there is suspected damage beyond the obvious, such as tendon or ligament damage, those issues may require further diagnosis.

Risk Factors

Various medical conditions may weaken the bones which will make them easier to break or fracture. Some examples include cancer, osteoporosis, brittle bone disease, and more. An infection can also weaken the bones. Aging normally weakens bones to some degree, especially for women who have gone through menopause.

After the doctor has diagnosed the situation, a dislocated bone will be put back in place. This is usually done after some pain medication has been given, which may also help the muscles to relax.

A fractured bone may need to be set or realigned. A splint or a cast will likely be put on it to help it heal properly. The patient will need to rest and take it easy until it heals, which will likely be a period of several weeks. In more serious cases, screws or plates may be needed to hold the bone in place until it heals.

At the Silver Star Urgent Care clinic, the doctors can treat minor fractures and dislocated joints. Each doctor is Board-certified, and some of them are specialists in various medical fields. Some of them have also worked in emergency rooms at hospitals, enabling you to get the same treatment you would get at an ER.

The Silver Star Urgent Care clinic is able to handle diagnosis and treatment of minor fractures dislocations, and more. We stay open later than most doctors’ offices and patients, including walk-ins, are seen quickly – not like in an emergency room at a hospital. Our hours are from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm seven days a week.