Dislocations: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Dislocations?
An emergency room doctor usually treats a dislocation first, and an orthopedic surgeon, a bone and joint specialist, handles follow-up care. A dislocated joint is an emergency, so seek medical care right away. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What are dislocations?
A dislocation is a joint injury that forces the ends of your bones out of their normal position. A joint is the place where two bones connect, which allows movement. You can dislocate your ankles, knees, shoulders, hips, elbows and jaw. You can also dislocate your finger and toe joints.
It may be hard to tell a dislocated joint from a broken bone. Both are emergencies that need first aid treatment. Nursemaid's elbow, also called pulled elbow, is a partial dislocation that is common in toddlers.
Symptoms
A dislocated joint may be:
- Very painful, especially if you try to use the joint or put weight on it.
- Swollen or bruised.
- Visibly out of place, discolored, or misshapen.
- Limited in movement.
- Numb or tingly at the joint or beyond it.
With nursemaid's elbow, the main symptom is pain, so the child does not want to use the arm.
Causes and who gets it
Dislocations are usually caused by a sudden impact to the joint. This usually happens after a blow, fall, or other trauma. Sometimes the injury comes from playing a contact sport. Once a joint has been dislocated, it is more likely to happen again. The same is true for a shoulder or a kneecap.
How doctors diagnose it
A bone X-ray is one of the tests MedlinePlus lists for dislocations. A dislocation can be hard to tell apart from a broken bone.
Treatment
Treatment depends on which joint you dislocate and how bad the injury is. It might include moving the bones back into place, medicine, a splint or sling, and rehabilitation, which is treatment to rebuild strength and movement.
Most dislocations can be treated in a health care provider's office or an emergency room. You may be given medicine to make you sleepy and to numb the area. Sometimes a deep sleep with general anesthesia is needed.
Sometimes surgery is needed to repair a ligament that tears when the joint is dislocated. Surgery may also be needed when the injury breaks the joint surface.
Do not try to straighten a misshapen bone or joint or change its position yourself. Apply a splint or sling to the injured joint in the position in which you found it, and do not move the joint. Ice packs can ease pain and swelling, but do not put ice directly on the skin.
When a joint is properly put back in place, it will usually work and move normally again in a few weeks. Injuries to the tissues around the joint generally take 6 to 12 weeks to heal. Injuries to nerves and blood vessels may cause longer-term or permanent problems. After emergency treatment, you should follow up with an orthopedic surgeon.
When to see a doctor
Call 911 or the local emergency number right away if the person has any of the following:
- A bone sticking out through the skin.
- A known or suspected dislocation or broken bone.
- An area below the injured joint that is pale, cold, clammy, or blue.
- Severe bleeding.
- Signs of infection, such as warmth or redness at the injured site, pus, or a fever.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can help you plan follow-up after emergency care, including a visit with an orthopedic surgeon.
Common questions
Is a dislocated joint an emergency?
Yes, a dislocated joint is an emergency. If you have one, seek medical attention.
Should I try to put a dislocated joint back in place myself?
No, do not try to straighten a misshapen bone or joint or change its position. Most dislocations are treated in a provider's office or an emergency room.
How long does a dislocation take to heal?
It depends on the joint and the injury. A properly repositioned joint will usually work and move normally again in a few weeks. Injuries to the tissues around it generally take 6 to 12 weeks to heal.
Can a joint dislocate again?
Yes, once a joint has been dislocated, it is more likely to happen again.
Can dislocations be prevented?
Some steps may help. Wearing protective gear during sports may help prevent dislocations. Preventing falls also helps, for example by removing throw rugs, especially around older adults. Using handrails on staircases helps too.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
