How to Treat AC Joint Pain?
If you have ever experienced shoulder pain, particularly when reaching out or up with your arm, you may have been suffering from AC joint pain. The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is the joint at the top of the shoulder and its associated ligaments, tendons and muscles.
Injury to the AC joint is not typically a result of overuse or overexertion, but is almost always caused by an impact from a collision, fall or a blow to the shoulder. Symptoms of an injury to the AC joint may include swelling, tenderness and pain when moving the shoulder in certain ways. Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment may range from simple self-care at home to more involved treatments that your doctor may need to provide.
Self-Care at Home
If you think you are suffering from AC joint pain due to minor injury, a few simple steps may be taken for your treatment:
- Rest: It is important to limit its use of the affected arm and allow it to adequately rest.
- Ice: Ice should be applied to the affected area using a towel or cloth for protection against the skin. Unlike heat, which can increase swelling and inflammation, applying ice helps to reduce swelling and can reduce the pain.
- Compression: Similarly to the application of ice, compression needs to be gentle with the use of a wrap or bandage to support the joint.
- Elevation: In order to reduce swelling, the arm should be elevated above the heart.
Medical Treatment
If the injury is more severe and self-care is not providing the relief you need, then it is advised to seek further medical attention. Your doctor may order further imaging tests such as X-rays to determine the severity of the injury. Depending on the results of these tests, the following treatments may be necessary:
- Anti-Inflammatory Medication: Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling, tenderness and pain.
- Steroid Injections: A steroid injection may be used to reduce the pain and inflammation for a longer period of time.
- Physical Therapy: Depending on the severity of the injury, physical therapy may be recommended to help stretch and strengthen the surrounding muscles.
- Surgery: In certain cases, such as when the joint has been dislocated, surgery may be necessary to restore the joint, stabilize the ligaments, or to remove any damaged tissue.
AC joint pain is a common injury caused by trauma, and with proper care and treatment, you can usually find relief and be on your way to recovery. So if you think you are suffering from AC joint pain, make sure to consult your doctor right away to determine the best course of action.
Keywords: AC Joint Pain, Injury, Treatment, Self-Care, Medical Treatment, Ice, Compression, Elevation, Anti-Inflammatory Medication, Steroid Injections, Physical Therapy, Surgery.
