How do you treat acromioclavicular joint sprain?

Treatment may include:

1. Rest. This allows your shoulder to heal.
2. Sling. This protects the shoulder and holds the joint in a good position for healing.
3. Cold packs. These help reduce swelling and relieve pain.
4. Prescription or over-the-counter pain medicines. These help relieve pain and swelling.
5. Arm and shoulder exercises.

What is acromioclavicular joint sprain?

Acromioclavicular joint sprains are common, usually resulting from a fall on the shoulder or, less often, an outstretched arm. (See also Overview of Sprains and Other Soft-Tissue Injuries.) Several ligaments surround this joint and, depending on the severity of the injury, one or all of the ligaments may be torn.

How long does it take for an acromioclavicular ligament sprain to heal?

An AC sprain will take up to 6 weeks or longer to heal, depending on how severe it is. It is often treated with a sling. Or a sling and an elastic wrap around the chest may be used. Physical therapy may be needed to help the shoulder keep full range of motion.

What causes an acromioclavicular joint sprain?

Most often, trauma, such as a fall directly on the outside of the shoulder, causes an AC joint injury. Overuse (repeated lifting of heavy weights or objects overhead with poor mechanics) also can result in an AC joint injury.

Can a sprained AC joint get worse?

Leaving your AC joint injury untreated means your condition can worsen, which can have serious consequences, such as: Severe shoulder separation. Serious displacement or collarbone fracture. Arthritis in your shoulder.

Will my AC joint ever heal?

Depending on how severe the injury is, it may heal adequately in two to three weeks. In severe cases, the shoulder may not heal without surgery.

Can a torn AC joint heal?

Return to activities — After a type II AC injury, most people are able to return to full activities when full range of motion and strength are regained, usually after two to four weeks. Gradually, add back activities as tolerated by pain or soreness. Complete healing generally requires several more weeks.

How long does it take a Grade 2 AC joint separation to heal?

How is acromioclavicular ( AC ) joint injury treated?

Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Injury Treatment Goals and Options. The main goals of treatment for an AC joint injury are to manage pain and allow the torn ligaments to heal. Type I or II AC joint injury treatment. Treatments for type I and II injuries include: Icing the shoulder. Putting your arm in a sling to decrease motion.

What are the symptoms of shoulder acromioclavicular arthritis?

Shoulder arthritis and AC joint arthritis are two different conditions. In people who suffer from AC joint arthritis, the junction of the clavicle and acromion wears thin, leading to symptoms of pain, inflammation, and stiffness in the shoulder area.

Which is part of the scapula is called acromioclavicular?

The end of the scapula is called the acromion, and the joint between this part of the scapula and clavicle is called the acromio-clavicular joint, or AC joint. When this joint wears thin, it is called acromioclavicular (or AC) arthritis.

What does ACJ arthropathy mean in medical terms?

What is ACJ Arthropathy / Arthritis? This is a painful degeneration of the Acromio-Clavicular (AC) Joint, where there is wear and tear of the articular cartilage of the ACJ giving rise to pain and difficulty in using the arm