Leg Stress Fracture, Tibia |
Liver Injury |
Neck Dislocation |
Neck Fracture |
Neck Sprain |
Neck Strain |
Nose Injury |
Pelvis Strain, Hip-Trunk |
Pelvis Strain, Ischium |
Perineum Contusion |
Rib Dislocation |
Rib Fracture |
Rib Sprain |
Rib Strain |
Shoulder-Blade (Scapula) Bursitis |
Shoulder-Blade (Scapula) Contusion |
Shoulder-Blade Fracture, Acromion |
Shoulder-Blade (Scapula) Fracture, Coracoid Process |
Shoulder-Blade (Scapula) Fracture, Glenoid Fossa |
Shoulder-Blade (Scapula) Fracture, Neck |
Shoulder-Blade (Scapula) Strain |
Shoulder Bursitis, Gleno-Humeral |
Shoulder Bursitis, Subacromial |
Shoulder Contusion |
Shoulder Dislocation |
Shoulder Sprain, Acromio-Clavicular |
Shoulder Sprain, Gleno-Humeral |
Shoulder Strain |
Shoulder Tendinitis & Tenosynovitis |
Skin Abrasion |
Skin Laceration |
Skin Puncture Wound |
Spine Fracture, Lower Thoracic & Lumber Region |
Spine Fracture, Sacrum |
Spine Fracture, Tailbone |
Spine Stress-Fracture, Neck or Back |
Spleen Rupture |
Thigh-Bone Fracture |
Thigh Contusion |
Thigh Hematoma |
Thigh Injury, Hamstring |
Thigh Strain, Quadriceps |
Thigh Strain |
Thumb Fracture |
Thumb Sprain |
Toe Dislocation |
Toe Exostosis |
Toe Fracture |
Tooth Injury & loss |
Wrist Contusion |
Wrist Dislocation, Lunate |
Wrist Dislocation, Radius or Ulna |
Wrist Ganglion |
Wrist Sprain |
Wrist Strain |
Wrist Tenosynovitis |
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Shoulder-Blade (Scapula) Strain
Injury to muscles or tendons that attach to bone in the area of the scapula (shoulder blade). Muscles, tendons and bone comprise units. Units stabilize the shoulder and allows its motion. A strain occurs at a unit's weakest part. Strains are of 3 types:
- Mild (Grade I)- Slightly pulled muscle without tearing of muscle or tendon fibers. There is no
loss of strength.
- Moderate (Grade II)- Tearing of fibers in a muscle, tendon or at the attachment to bone. Strength is diminished.
- Severe (Grade III)- Rupture of the
muscle-tendon-bone attachment with separation of fibers. Severe strain requires surgical repair.
Chronic strains are caused by overuse. Acute strains are caused by direct injury or overstress.
Body Parts Involved
-
Tendons and muscles that attach the shoulder blade to the arm and chest wall.
- Shoulder blade, collarbone (clavicle), upper armbone (humerus) or spinal column.
- Soft tissue surrounding the strain, including
nerves, periosteum (covering to bone), blood vessels and lymph ,vessels.
Causes
-
Prolonged overuse of muscle-tendon units of the shoulder blade.
- Single violent injury or force applied to the muscle-tendon unit of the shoulder blade.
Signs & Symptoms
-
Pain when moving or stretching muscles of the shoulder blade.
- Muscle spasm in the shoulder-blade area.
- Swelling in the shoulder-blade area.
- Loss of strength (moderate or severe strain).
- Crepitation ("crackling") feeling and sound
when the injured area is pressed with finger.
- Calcification of the muscle or its tendon
(visible with X-ray).
- Inflammation of sheath covering the tendon.
Treatment
Note:- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
First Aid
-
Use instructions for R.I.C.E., the first letters rest, ice, compression and elevation.
Continuing Care
-
Use ice massage 3 or 4 times a day for 15 minutes at a time. Fill a large Styrofoam cup with water and freeze. Tear a small amount of
foam from the top so ice protrudes. Massage firmly over the injured area in a circle about the size of a softball.
- After the first 24 hours, apply heat instead of ice, if it feels better. Use heat lamps, hot soaks, hot showers, heating pads, or heat liniments and ointments.
- Take whirlpool treatments, if available.
- Wrap the injured chest and shoulder blade with an elasticized bandage between treatments.
- Massage gently and often to provide comfort and decrease swelling.
Medication
- For minor discomfort, you may use:
Aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Topical liniments and ointments.
- Your doctor may prescribe:
Stronger pain relievers.
Injection of a long-acting local anesthetic to reduce pain.
Injections of corticosteroids, such as triamcinolone, to reduce inflammation.
Home Diet
Eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Increase fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation that may result from decreased activity.
Diagnostic Measures
-
Your own observation of symptoms.
- Madical history and exam by a doctor
- X-rays of the chest and shoulder to rule out fractures
Prevention Tips
-
Participate in a strengthening and conditioning program appropriate for your sport.
- Warm up before practice or competition.
- Wear proper protective equipment, such as shoulder pads, for contact sports.
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