About this topic
When the ligaments around a joint are stretched or torn it is a sprain. Ligaments are strong flexible tissues which keep the bones connected and steady. A shoulder sprain happens when a ligament in your shoulder is partially torn or stretched. Shoulder sprains may be caused by: ‚
View OriginalView Original
View OriginalView Original
What are the causes?
- A sudden or forced twist of your arm
- Falling with an outstretched arm
- A blow to the shoulder
What can make this more likely to happen?
- Playing sports
- Prior shoulder sprain
- Loose shoulder joint
- Tight or weak shoulder muscles
- Poor conditioning
- Not warming up the right way
- Poor balance and coordination
- Fatigue
- Health problems that affects the connective tissue in your body
What are the main signs?
- Pain in the shoulder
- Trouble moving your shoulder
- Stiffness
- Sore to touch
- Swelling, bruising, or redness
- Shoulder feels unstable
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
The doctor will feel around your shoulder. The doctor will move your shoulder around and check your motion. The doctor may push and pull on your shoulder to check your strength and for any looseness in your shoulder joint. The doctor may order: ‚
- X-ray to check for broken bones
- MRI scan to see how bad the soft tissue is damaged
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Rest
- Ice
- Brace or sling to keep your shoulder from moving
- Exercises
- Surgery may be needed if there is a lot of damage
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Warm up slowly and stretch. Do this before and after you work out or play sports. Use good ways to train, such as slowly adding to how many exercises you do.
- Use proper clothing when you are playing sports. This may include protective equipment like shoulder, elbow, and knee pads.
- Do exercises that strengthen the arm, back, and chest muscles.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00111 ‚
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease ‚
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Sprains_Strains/default.asp ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚