A shoulder sprain is a partial tear of the ligaments in the shoulder joint, which is made up of three different joints. Most sprains occur in the acromioclavicular joint and are caused by direct impact, while sprains in the sternoclavicular joint are less common. Treatment involves reducing swelling and pain with cold packs, anti-inflammatory medication, and exercises to strengthen the shoulder after recovery.
A shoulder sprain is a partial strain, twist, or tear of the ligaments in the shoulder joint. Ligaments are tough bands of fibrous connective tissue that bring bones together to form a joint. A tear in the ligaments of any of the shoulder joints could result in a shoulder sprain.
Contrary to what most people think, the shoulder joint is not made up of the upper arm bone, or humerus, and scapula, or scapula, alone. The shoulder is in fact made up of three different joints: between the upper arm bone and the scapula; the top of the scapula, called the acromion, and the clavicle, or clavicle; and between the collarbone and breastbone, called the sternum. The joint of the humerus and the blade of the collar is the glenohumeral joint, which we commonly know as the shoulder joint. The joint made up of the top of the scapula and collarbone, called the acromioclavicular joint, and the joint between the collarbone and breastbone, called the sternoclavicular joint, are also parts of the shoulder joint.
Generally, most cases of shoulder sprain occur due to tears in the ligament between the shoulder blade and collarbone, called the acromioclavicular joint. An injury to the tightly bound ligaments of the acromioclavicular joint often results from direct hard blows to the shoulder or from trauma or injury to the shoulder from a fall. This type of shoulder sprain commonly occurs in athletes and sportspeople.
Sprains of the sternoclavicular joint are less common, as this joint is held even tighter than the acromioclavicular joint. Injuries to the ligaments of this joint commonly occur from direct impact to the chest. This can occur in a traffic accident, when the driver hits the steering wheel hard. This type of sprain is also seen in football players who are hit directly on the shoulder.
Depending on the severity of the injury, a shoulder sprain is classified by doctors into one of seven grades. Most sprains are graded I to III, with the highest grades of sprain denoting intense swelling and severe dislocation of the clavicle. General symptoms of a shoulder sprain include tenderness and pain around the tip of the collarbone or in the midline area of the chest. The contour of the shoulder may become visibly distorted due to swelling, and shoulder movement becomes increasingly painful.
Treatment for a shoulder sprain is usually relatively simple. Applying cold packs or ice for 15 to 20 minutes is usually recommended to reduce swelling and pain. Additional treatments for shoulder sprains include anti-inflammatory medications, wearing a brace or sling, and shoulder-strengthening exercises after recovery.
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