Title: Acting Fast: What to Do If You’ve Fallen and Dislocated Your Wrist or Ankle
Meta Description: Discover the crucial steps to take if you’ve dislocated your wrist or ankle, as advised by Dr. Vladimir Pușcașu, a leading orthopedic and traumatology specialist. Learn when to seek professional help.
Article:
In emergency situations involving obvious limb deformities—such as crooked hands or feet, fingers or toes pointed unnaturally—a correct first-aid response can make all the difference between a successful recovery and severe complications. Dr. Vladimir Pușcașu, a chief doctor in orthopedics and traumatology at Sanador Clinical Hospital, with expertise in general, sports, and oncological orthopedics, explains the steps to follow and when to call a specialist.
This simple action can positively influence the affected limb’s condition, preventing further tissue discomfort. However, not all cases allow for such home interventions.
"In certain situations, if the patient notices a clear local deformation, meaning the hand or foot is crooked, and a toe or finger has been dislocated, they can attempt to correct the limb. We encourage this, as it realigns the neurovascular package, which is often causing pain," says Dr. Vladimir Pușcașu, chief doctor in orthopedics and traumatology, specializing in general and sports traumatology, total hip and knee replacement, hallux valgus surgical treatment, corrective osteotomy, and oncological orthopedics at Sanador Clinical Hospital.
However, proper medical evaluation is crucial. At a medical unit, patients will undergo detailed imaging investigations to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Based on the results, the orthopedic doctor will decide on the treatment plan.
"This (correction – ed.) can help local evolution in a positive direction, but if the patient can’t do it, emergency services should be called to perform these maneuvers on-site. Then, a temporary immobilization will occur until the patient reaches the hospital, where imaging tests will be conducted, a definite diagnosis will be established, and an orthopedic doctor will decide on any necessary corrections, such as fracture or luxation reduction, or surgical intervention when required," adds Dr. Vladimir Pușcașu.
Watch more in the exclusive video.
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