What is a dislocated shoulder?
When the upper arm bone comes out of the shoulder socket, it is called a dislocated shoulder. It can cause pain and swelling. And it can keep your shoulder from working right. Treatment can help prevent more shoulder damage and help your shoulder heal so it can move normally again.
What are the symptoms of a dislocated shoulder?
You could have pain, swelling, or numbness in your arm. You might have trouble moving your arm. You might notice that your arm hangs at a different angle or that your arm looks out of place at the shoulder.
How is a dislocated shoulder diagnosed?
Your doctor will do a physical exam. The doctor will also ask how you hurt your shoulder. You might be asked to describe your pain or other problems you have with your shoulder. You will likely have an X-ray to find out if your shoulder is out of place.
How is a dislocated shoulder treated?
Your doctor will put your shoulder back into place. This may be done in the hospital or your doctor's office. Your arm will then be placed in a sling to keep it from moving while it heals.
You will likely have physical therapy. It will help you get back motion and strength in your injured shoulder.
You might need surgery to repair any tissue or nerve damage. Surgery is more likely to be needed if your shoulder keeps coming out of place.
How can you care for your child who has a dislocated shoulder?
- If your doctor put your child's arm in a sling or shoulder immobilizer, make sure your child wears it as directed.
- Give pain medicines exactly as directed.
- If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
- If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- Put ice or a cold pack on your child's shoulder for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days (when your child is awake). Put a thin cloth between the ice and your child's skin.
- You may use warm packs after the first 3 days for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. This can ease pain.
- If your doctor gave your child exercises to do at home, help your child do them exactly as your doctor told you.
- Do not let your child do anything that makes the pain worse.
Dislocated shoulder: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You have trouble breathing.
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have new or worse nausea or vomiting.
- You have new or worse pain.
- Your hand or fingers are cool or pale or change color.
- You have tingling, weakness, or numbness in your hand or fingers.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not get better as expected.
©2011-2025 Healthwise, Incorporated