After a joint reduction, what is the recommended immediate management?

• A. Move immediately to testing stability
• B. Apply heat and massage
• C. Immobilize the joint after reduction
• D. Ignore pain and resume activity

Answer: (C)

After a joint is reduced, the immediate goal is to protect the new alignment and give the soft tissues time to begin healing. Immobilizing the joint with a splint or sling limits movement, which reduces the risk of redislocation, decreases pain, and helps control swelling. This stillness supports the healing of ligaments and the joint capsule and prevents further injury while medical assessment and imaging are arranged if needed. Avoid moving the joint, and don’t try heat or massage in the acute period since these can increase swelling and discomfort. Testing stability right away can jeopardize the reduction, and resuming activity or ignoring pain can lead to re-injury. The emphasis is on safe immobilization first, followed by professional evaluation and a guided rehab plan.