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).

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)

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