Shoulder Sprain, Gleno-Humeral

Violent overstretching of one or more ligaments in the gleno-humeral joint of the shoulder. Sprains involving two or more ligaments cause considerably more disability than single-ligament sprains. When the ligament is overstretched, it becomes tense and gives way at its weakest point, either where it attaches to bone or within the ligament itself. If the ligament pulls loose a fragment of bone, it is called a sprain-fracture. There are 3 types of sprains:

• Mild (Grade I)- Tearing of some ligament fibers. There is no loss of function.
• Moderate (Grade II)- Rupture of a portion of the ligament, resulting in some loss of function.
• Severe (Grade III)- Complete rupture of the ligament or complete separation of ligament from bone. There is total loss of function. A severe sprain requires surgical repair.

Body Parts Involved

• Ligaments of the gleno-humeral joint of the shoulder.
• Tissue surrounding the sprain, including blood vessels, tendons, bone, periosteum (covering of bone) and muscles.

Causes

Backward and upward stress that temporarily forces or pries the ligaments and bones of the shoulder joint out of their normal location.

Signs & Symptoms

• Severe pain at the time of injury.
• A feeling of popping or tearing inside the shoulder.
• Tenderness at the injury site.
• Swelling in the shoulder.
• Bruising that appears soon after injury.

Treatment

Note:- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.

First Aid

Use instructions for R.I.C.E., the first letters of rest, ice, compression and elevation.

Continuing Care

If the doctor does not apply a cast, sling, tape or elastic bandage:

• Continue using an ice pack 3 or 4 times a day. Place ice chips or cubes in a plastic bag. Wrap the bag in a moist towel, and place it over
  the injured area. Use for 20 minutes at a time.
• Wrap the injured shoulder with an elasticized bandage between ice treatments.
• After 72 hours, apply heat instead of ice, if it feels better. Use heat lamps, hot soaks, hot showers, heating pads, or heat liniments or ointments.
• Take whirlpool treatments, if available.
• Massage the shoulder 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.

Injection of a corticosteroid, such as triamcinolone, to reduce inflammation.

Home Diet

Diagnostic Measures

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and exam by a doctor.
• X-rays of the shoulder joint to rule out fractures.

Prevention Tips

• Build your strength with a conditioning program appropriate for your sport.
• Warm up before practice or competition.
• Tape vulnerable joints before practice or competition.
• Wear protective equipment such as shoulders pads.