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Should I Go to Urgent Care for a Dislocated Shoulder?

Ever feel your shoulder pop out of place? Those who know, know. You’ll never forget it. You know all too well the immediate surge of pain that follows. Suddenly, a simple action like reaching overhead becomes excruciating. However, knowing when and where to seek care is crucial for proper treatment and recovery.

Understanding a Dislocated Shoulder

A dislocated shoulder occurs when the head of the upper arm bone pops out of the cup-shaped socket of the shoulder blade. This injury is not only painful but also incapacitates the joint’s function. Common causes include sports injuries, falls, or direct blows to the arm.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Recognizing the symptoms of a dislocated shoulder is important for timely treatment. If you believe you’ve suffered this injury and are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is important to see a doctor:

  • Visible deformity or uneven shoulder contour
  • Swelling or bruising
  • Intense pain
  • Inability to move the joint
  • Numbness or tingling around the joint or down the arm

Should I Go to Urgent Care for a Dislocated Shoulder?

Urgent care can be appropriate for certain cases of shoulder dislocation, particularly if the emergency department is not immediately accessible:

  • Mild to moderate pain without severe symptoms: If your pain is bearable and there’s no severe swelling or numbness, urgent care can often manage the dislocation.
  • After an initial ER visit: Urgent care can be ideal for follow-up after the shoulder has been initially treated in the emergency room or if you’re experiencing minor issues related to a previously treated dislocation.

How FirstCall Can Help

At FirstCall Medical Center, we are equipped to handle less severe cases of shoulder dislocations. Our services include:

  • Assessment and Imaging: We can confirm the dislocation and assess any associated damage such as fractures or soft tissue injury.
  • Reduction Techniques: Gentle manipulation is used to reposition the bone in the socket.
  • Pain Management and Immobilization: The administration of pain relief medications and the application of slings or braces to immobilize the shoulder can help reduce discomfort, promote healing, and prevent further injury.
  • Referral to Specialists: If necessary, our doctors can refer you to orthopedic specialists for further treatment or surgery.

While severe cases of a dislocated shoulder should be treated at the ER, urgent care visits are completely valid if the situation appears less critical.

FirstCall Medical Center provides capable intervention for less severe dislocations, helping guide patients through their recovery journey – so they can reach new heights without any trouble whatsoever.