Dislocation

When a joint becomes dislocated from a fall, pull or other injury, the two bones which make up the joint separate or slide away from their usual position. The strain on the joint ligaments and capsule of cartilage causes pulls and sometimes tears. Symptoms are immediate deformity of the joint and pain, with difficulty moving or using the limb, followed by swelling, bruising and tenderness.

Shoulder joints are the most susceptible to this kind of injury because this type of joint, which is similar to a ball and socket, allows the greatest range of movement but offers the least support. The jaw joints are also prone to dislocation. In children, a partial dislocation of the elbow is common. The two separated bones of the joint must be repositioned by a doctor as soon as possible. The possibility of a fracture must also be ruled out, since it can be mistaken for a dislocation. The affected part should be immobilized for three weeks to let the joint heal properly.

A blow to, or fall on, a joint can cause it to separate from its surface, or dislocate. Pulling hard enough can also result in a dislocation. Repeated occurrences due to weakened or overstretched ligaments caused by a former injury are common. Recurring dislocations are not nearly as painful, but the repeated injury is hard on the joint, leaving it more susceptible to chronic pain and injury from the slightest mistreatment.

Supplements and herbs

To encourage optimal healing after any injury, a number of nutrients are necessary and a lack of almost any nutrient will hinder the process. The most vital nutrients are vitamin E to reduce adhesions and internal scarring; and vitamins A, or beta-carotene, and C with bioflavonoids to support connective tissue health. Beta-carotene and vitamins A, C and E are also antioxidants, protecting the tissues from free radicals that are most problematic following any injury to the tissues.

The gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in evening primrose oil is most helpful in reducing inflammation as a result of injury, since GLA is used to build the body's own natural anti-inflammatories called prostaglandins. Silica is also important for connective tissue repair along with calcium and magnesium.

Herbal Remedies

• Apply mashed comfrey root poultices for pain relief and healing.
• Horsetail provides silica and is excellent for rebuilding skin and connective tissue. Use horsetail infusion compresses and take 1 tbsp. juice or 10-20 drops of tincture in water, three times daily for three weeks.
• Add eucalyptus, rosemary or horsetail to baths. Make an infusion with 1 tbsp. of herb mixture per cup of boiling water and add 5 drops of juniper essential oil and 5 drops of lavender essential oil.
• After drying the affected part, apply a salve of comfrey, plantain, St. John's wort or hops for healing.

What else you can do

• Rest and elevate injured part until medical help arrives.
• After adjustment of joints by a qualified health practitioner, rest and apply cool, moist compresses for the first twenty-four hours. When the inflammation has subsided, apply warm, moist compresses to aid healing.
• Magnetic therapy assists and speeds tissue healing.

How much to take

• Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 400-800 IU
• Vitamin A, 10,000 IU (avoid during pregnancy) or 30 mg beta-carotene
• Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg
• Evening primrose oil, two 500 mg capsules three times daily
• Silica, capsules or gel, 1,000 mg
• Calcium 1,000mg
• Magnesium 500 mg

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