There is nothing worse than getting ready to play and five minutes into the game, you get sidelined by an injury. A sprain or a strain might not need the evaluation of a medical professional, but when it comes to dislocations, it’s important to recognize the symptoms and seek immediate treatment.
Here are a few steps you should take…
Step 1
Inspect the affected areas to confirm the injury. Look for bruising, swelling, or deformity to the area and compare it to the opposite body part, such as determining the difference of your right ankle versus your left.
Step 2
Move the body part slightly, and if you happen to experience intense sudden pain, there is a possibility you may have dislocated the body part.
Step 3
Listen for a popping sound when the bone comes out of the socket immediately following the injury.
Step 4
Touch the injured area to identify any numbness or pains, as there is a possibility there has been damaging to nerves or blood vessels when numbness or loss of sensation is felt in the area.
Step 5
Visit an urgent care center like AFC Urgent Care Methuen to receive an x-ray to rule out a bone fracture. Be sure to review with your doctor what activities were occurring before symptoms began and any previous injures to assist in proper diagnosis.
How to prevent dislocation?
You can easily prevent injuries and dislocations by:
- Keeping a first aid kit handy
- Use handrails when going up and down staircases
- Using nonskid mats in wet areas such as bathrooms
To prevent children from facing dislocations, you can:
- Teach your children safe behaviors
- Supervise children, as needed
- Childproof your home
If you’re an adult and want to protect yourself from dislocations, you should:
- Wear protective gear when doing physical activities and sports
- Avoid standing on unstable items, such as chairs
Injury Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Methuen
At AFC Urgent Care Methuen, our state-of-the-art digital x-ray system allows us to diagnose and treat injuries all under one roof. We offer convenient walk-in treatment, or you can check-in online at a time that works for your busy schedule.
For more information about the services we provide, please call us at 978-975-0700.
