Joint instability occurs when the ligaments and tendons that support a joint become weak or damaged. This can be congenital or following a joint subluxation (partial separation of bones in joint) or dislocation (complete separation of bones in a joint). This can happen in any joint in the body, but more commonly in shoulders and knees (knee cap).
Joint Instability
When ligaments and tendons that support a joint become weak
What Is Joint Instability?
Types of Joint Instability
Signs and Symptoms of Joint Instability
The signs and symptoms of an unstable joint can vary, but the most common ones are:
- Pain in a joint
- Increasing pain in a joint with motion
- Feeling of looseness in a joint
- Feeling of weakness in arm (shoulder instability)
- Feeling of weakness in leg (kneecap instability)
If instability is caused from a recent subluxation or a dislocation injury, there can also be signs of:
- Swelling
- Decreased motion in the joint
- Decreased ability to use arm (shoulder) or walk (knee)
When To See a Doctor for Joint Instability
Symptoms of joint instability can improve from medical intervention. Schedule an appointment when the following occur:
- There is a recent dislocation or subluxation
- Symptoms last more than two or three days
- Your child can’t walk or bear weight
- Your child can’t use their shoulder or arm
- Your child has poor range of motion
- The injured area is visibly deformed for a prolonged amount of time
- Severe pain prevents use of any body part
Treatments We Offer
Our specialists use a combination of history, physical exam and diagnostic test for diagnosis of joint instability. These tests may include:
- X-ray
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
There are many additional ways Children’s Wisconsin experts care for unstable joints including:
- Activity modification
- Athletic training
- Bracing
- Physical therapy
- Progressive return to sports
- Rest
- Surgery
Why Choose Children’s Wisconsin for Joint Instability
Expert pediatric care: At Children’s Wisconsin, our Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Programs specializes in all areas of orthopedic care, from upper extremity, trauma and fracture care to sports medicine and concussion care. We treat all orthopedic conditions, from routine to serious. Kids are not just little adults, and require unique, individualized care for their developing little bodies. Our doctors are pediatric experts, and every doctor specializes 100% in kids and teens.
Our Doctors
At Children's Wisconsin, our doctors are 100% committed to the health and well-being of kids. They care for every aspect of a child's health, including their physical, social, dental and mental well-being. We are a community of dedicated professionals who shares an unwavering passion to care for kids whenever and wherever they need us.
