How Do You Dislocate Your Elbow?

What is a dislocated elbow, and how exactly does it occur? The elbow is the joint that connects the forearm, consisting of the Radius and Ulna, to the upper arm, consisting of the Humerus. An elbow dislocation occurs when the joint where these three bones meet becomes out of place. A dislocated elbow can be painful and cause damage to surrounding bones, arteries, or muscles. It is important to know what caused your elbow to become dislocated, the symptoms that come with an elbow dislocation, and the treatment that is available to you. If you’re searching for an orthopedic in Hackensack NJ, New York Sports Medicine Institute can provide you with the treatment you’re seeking. Here at NYSMI, we’re not only here to provide treatment for your injury, but we look to provide each patient with a stress-free experience and put you on track to recover as quickly as possible!

Causes and Symptoms

An elbow dislocation can happen in many different ways and is usually associated with severe pain in the surrounding area. The elbow usually comes out of place during a fall where the arm is extended, bending the arm in a way where the joint becomes dislocated. An elbow injury can also happen from traumatic injuries such as a car crash. The injury is accompanied by severe pain in your elbow, swelling, and the inability to extend or contract your arm using the elbow joint. It is important to seek treatment immediately if you lose feeling in your wrist/hand, cannot feel your heartbeat in your wrist, or you’re experiencing any of the other symptoms discussed. Contact New York Sports Medicine Institute to get in touch with your orthopedic in Hackensack NJ.

Tips for an Optimal Recovery

It is important to seek medical attention as a dislocated elbow is a serious injury and requires the attention of a medical professional. However, here are a few tips for self-care at home:

• Check your artery to determine the seriousness of the injury. Place two fingers at the base of your wrist to feel for your pulse. Squeeze the tips of your fingers on the injured arm; they should turn white and turn back to normal within 3 seconds. 

• Your hand and wrist should have feeling in them; check to make sure no parts of your hand or wrist are numb. If there are any numb spots, there may have been some nerve damage or artery damage during the elbow injury.

• Test the functions of your forearms. By bending your wrist upwards, you are testing the operation of your radial nerves. By touching your thumb to your pinky finger, you are testing your median nerves. And by spreading your fingers apart and stretching your thumb and pinky fingers as far as possible from each other, you are testing your ulnar nerves.

It is vital to not only do these tests, but if you are struggling with any of the discussed tests, contact your orthopedic in Hackensack NJ. By contacting us at New York Sports Medicine Institute, you’re taking your first step in your recovery process.

Treatment: Orthopedic in Hackensack NJ

Seeking medical attention is necessary for an injury of this severity. A medical professional can provide the insight you need to get back to full strength. By using tests to determine the severity of your injury, one of our orthopedics at NYSMI can provide you with the treatment you need. We provide our patients with a top-of-the-line orthopedic in Hackensack NJ, by using x-rays to determine if there are any fractures in the surrounding area and an arteriogram to determine if your artery is working properly.

Contact NYSMI for an Orthopedic in Hackensack NJ

Get started today by contacting our team at New York Sports Medicine Institute or visiting our website. Our team of professionals is here to help you navigate your options, and our priority is your health. Our facilities will provide you with the best equipment and the best treatment options to get your health back to normal. By choosing NYSMI as your primary orthopedic in Hackensack NJ, you’re choosing the best possible path to recovery. At NYSMI, we know receiving treatment for an injury can be an unwanted experience, but we’re here to guarantee you the stress-free treatment process you’re seeking!