An acute shoulder injury may occur due to sudden direct impact on the shoulder joint, overuse or overstretching of the shoulder muscle, tendon or ligament, or twisting of the shoulder joint.
Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler provides acute shoulder treatments to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada and surrounding locations.
Typical Injury Occurrence
Acute shoulder injuries occur frequently due to a fall onto an outstretched arm or overstretching or overloading or through direct impact. Most often, the athlete will experience a sudden sharp pain along with discomfort and mobility loss.
At times, there will be inflammation and swelling. It is vital to treat acute shoulder injuries right away using the PRICE principles of immediate first aid. Ensure that you seek the advice of a medical professional in case of severe pain or you have any concerns about the condition.
Rotator Cuff Strain
A rotator cuff strain means a tear to any of the four rotator cuff muscles in the shoulder. This condition occurs commonly in patients participating in throwing and racket sports. Such tears can be categorized from mild to severe. The treatment initially focuses on the reduction of pain and swelling. After that, the patient undergoes a complete rehabilitation program which involves mobility and strengthening along with sports specific exercises.
Dislocated Shoulder
A dislocated shoulder refers to a traumatic and painful injury that frequently occurs due to a fall or contact sports.
The patient should seek immediate medical assistance. In this injury, the upper arm bone dislocates out of its regular position in the shoulder joint which results in major damage to the soft tissues. It is crucial for the athlete to undergo a complete rehabilitation program to prevent a re-injury to the shoulder.
AC Joint Sprain
An AC joint separation or sprain implies an injury to the ligaments that hold the acromioclavicular joint at the top of the shoulder. It typically occurs due to a fall onto an outstretched arm. Such injuries range from a very mild (Grade 1) to a very severe (Grade 6) injuries. It is important for the patient to seek immediate first aid and treatment to avoid deformity and problems in the long-run.
Clavical Fracture
A clavicle fracture or broken collarbone is also called a fracture of the clavicle bone. This bone runs along the front of the shoulder to the breastbone or sternum in the middle of the chest.
Such fractures result from a fall onto an outstretched arm or the shoulder itself. The primary symptom is pain along the collarbone. This pain may be very severe. There may be inflammation in the area along with a bony deformity which may be felt.
First-Aid Treatment
The P.R.I.C.E. therapy, which is based on the principles of protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation, should be used in the treatment of all acute shoulder injuries. The patient should apply these principles at home, at least for the initial two to three days. These principles are as follows:
- Protection – Protect the injury from any more damage.
- Rest – Avoid using the arm or elbow.
- Ice – Applying ice or cold therapy topically to the injury area can help in decreasing the pain and inflammation.
- Compression – Using compression support for the arm or elbow may help decrease swelling.
- Elevation – An upper arm sling can help in proper elevation.
Board certified plastic surgeons at the Thomas & Bigler Knee and Shoulder Institute receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada and nearby areas for the treatment of acute shoulder injuries.
If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. Contact the office today click here.