How long does it take to recover from a sprained AC joint?
Most patients with AC joint injuries will start to feel better within a few days or a week of the injury—but it can take at least six weeks for the AC ligaments to fully heal.
What is the fastest way to heal an AC joint sprain?
Treatment for AC joint sprain
- Rest. This allows your shoulder to heal.
- Sling. This protects the shoulder and holds the joint in a good position for healing.
- Cold packs. These help reduce swelling and relieve pain.
- Prescription or over-the-counter pain medicines.
- Arm and shoulder exercises.
How do you treat a strained AC joint?
Type 1 — Type I injuries are best treated initially with rest, ice, and protection, often with an arm sling. Ice can be applied for 15 minutes every four to six hours as needed. Rest includes avoiding overhead reaching, reaching across the chest, lifting, leaning on the elbows, and sleeping directly on the shoulder.
What does a sprained AC joint feel like?
Symptoms of an AC joint injury Shoulder or arm pain. A visible bump, bruise, or swelling on your shoulder. Limited shoulder mobility. Weakness in your shoulder or arm.
How painful is an AC joint sprain?
Frequently results in a small, permanent bump over the top of the shoulder at the AC joint. Initial pain typically lasts 4-6 weeks, however, chronic discomfort at the joint may be experienced when lifting weights or performing other overhead or lifting activities.
What is a Grade 1 AC joint sprain?
Grade 1—Involves stretching/spraining of the joint covering (capsule), with no damage to ligaments connecting the shoulder blade (scapula) and collar bone (clavicle). There may be swelling over the joint but the bump is not permanent. Pain typically lasts for 2-4 weeks, but can be easily reaggravated.
Are AC joint injuries serious?
Acromioclavicular joint injuries account for more than forty percent of all shoulder injuries. Mild injuries are not associated with any significant morbidity, but severe injuries can lead to significant loss of strength and function of the shoulder.
How to treat a sprained AC joint?
Cold therapy. Apply ice or a cold therapy and compression wrap as soon as possible to reduce pain and swelling.
How to recover from an AC sprain?
Your provider may prescribe medicines for pain.
How to fix AC joint pain?
Ice packs applied to the area for a half hour right after the injury are important and will reduce pain as well as reduce swelling.
How long does AC joint surgery take to heal?
Time, rest and gradual rehabilitation typically result in a shoulder free of pain and functional limitations. The recovery time varies from patient to patient, but full recovery typically occurs within 6-12 weeks. What can you not do after AC joint surgery?