HealthInfo West Coast-Te Tai Poutini
Dislocated joints: first aid
Dislocated joints happen when a bone slips out of its joint. The most common joints to dislocate are shoulders, fingers, and kneecaps.
How do I know if someone has a dislocated joint?
If someone has a dislocated joint they may feel pain, the area may be swollen, they won't be able to move the joint, and they may feel tingling around the joint, or further up or down the limb.
How do I help someone who has dislocated a joint?
This depends on the joint that is dislocated. But generally:
- advise them to stay still or rest the affected joint or limb
- immobilise the joint by supporting it in a comfortable position
- apply ice to the joint to reduce any swelling. Don't apply ice directly to the skin, but wrap it in a cloth.
If this joint dislocates a lot and you know how to put it back, put it back. But for most dislocations, see a doctor and get them to do it.
When should I see a doctor?
Sometimes a dislocated joint will go back into place naturally. Even so, you may need an X-ray or treatment to help your ligaments and tendons heal, so it's best to see a doctor.
If the joint doesn't go back into place and
- it's a small joint, like a finger, go to your GP. They may refer you to see a doctor where there's an X-ray machine
- it's a large joint, like a shoulder, go to an the nearest hospital Emergency Department.
If the dislocation causes any pins and needles or numbness it's important to see a doctor straight away, to prevent permanent nerve damage.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- St John – Fractures & dislocations
More information about what to do if someone has dislocated a joint or broken a bone.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Page created December 2016.
SourceReview key: HIFAD-141030
