What are the consequences of having frequent dislocations of the shoulder?
If the shoulder becomes so loose that it starts dislocating frequently, it can become a real problem, especially if you can’t get it back in place and must go to the emergency room every time. A dislocation is usually very obvious: it is very painful, and the shoulder looks abnormal. Trying to move the shoulder in any way causes extreme pain. But the biggest problem is that a dislocated shoulder can damage the nerves around the joint. If the nerves have been stretched, a numb spot may develop on the outside of the arm, just below the top point of the shoulder. Several of the shoulder muscles may become slightly weak until the nerve recovers. But the weakness is usually temporary. Can my doctor diagnose this condition even when the shoulder is not dislocated and looks normal? The diagnosis is done mainly through your medical history and physical exam. The doctor will ask you many questions about past shoulder injuries, pain, and how this is affecting your daily activities. During the ph