3 Signs You Should See A Doctor About A Separated Shoulder

 

If you have a separated shoulder, it is important to seek medical attention. Many people try to treat this injury on their own, but this can often lead to further complications. In this blog post, we will discuss three signs that indicate you should see a doctor about your separated shoulder.

If you have any of the following symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention:

1. Pain that radiates down your arm

One of the most common symptoms of a separated shoulder is pain that radiates down your arm. This pain is often caused by the stretching or tearing of the ligaments that connect your shoulder blade to your collarbone.

If you are experiencing this type of pain, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Treatment for a separated shoulder often includes rest, ice, and physical therapy.

2.Weakness in your arm or hand

If you experience weakness in your arm or hand, it could be due to damage to the nerves that run through your shoulder. This damage can occur when the ligaments are stretched or torn. Symptoms of nerve damage include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the affected area. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor so that you can receive treatment.

3. Difficulty moving your arm

If you have a separated shoulder, you may also experience difficulty moving your arm. This is often due to the pain and inflammation that are associated with this injury. If you cannot move your arm, it is important to see a doctor so that you can receive treatment.

If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention. A separated shoulder is a serious injury and should be treated by a medical professional. Early diagnosis and treatment can often help to prevent further complications.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

There are some things you can do at home to help relieve pain and inflammation associated with a separated shoulder. These include:

  • Rest: It is important to rest your shoulder and allow it to heal. Avoid activities that put stress on your shoulder, such as lifting heavy objects or participating in contact sports.
  • Ice: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation. Ice should be applied for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
  • Elevation: Keeping your arm elevated above your heart can also help reduce pain and inflammation. Try sleeping with your arm propped up on a pillow or using a sling during the day.
  • Pain relief medication: Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help relieve pain associated with a separated shoulder

 

Shoulder Separation Grading

There are several ways to grade the severity of a separated shoulder. The most common grading system is the Rockwood classification system, which grades separations from I to V.

  • Grade I: A small amount of stretching or tearing of the ligaments. There is usually no displacement of the bones.
  • Grade II: A moderate amount of stretching or tearing of the ligaments. There may be some displacement of the bones.
  • Grade III: A complete tear of the ligaments with significant displacement of the bones.
  • Grade IV: A complete tear of the ligaments with dislocation of the shoulder joint.
  • Grade V: Multiple fractures around the shoulder joint. This is a very rare type of separation.

Will I Need Surgery For A Separated Shoulder?

In most cases, a separated shoulder can be treated without surgery. However, there are some cases where surgery may be necessary. Surgery is usually only recommended if the ligaments that connect your shoulder blade to your collarbone are completely torn.

If you think you may have a separated shoulder, it is important to see a doctor so that you can receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. With proper treatment, most people make a full recovery from this injury.


Are You Looking for a Sports Medicine Physician You Can Trust?

Dr. Chen sees patients at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital Center for Sports Medicine in Walnut Creek, California. He is a board-certified Pediatrician and Sports Medicine Doctor that specializes in the non-operative medical treatment of a wide variety of various musculoskeletal conditions.  Dr. Chen graduated from St. George’s University School of Medicine and went on to complete Pediatric residency training at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey (Rutgers), then went on to fellowship training in Sports Medicine at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, one of the perennially top ranked children’s hospitals in the nation. There he provided sideline coverage for NCAA Division I athletics at the University of Cincinnati and Miami University (OH). Since graduating, Dr. Chen has continued his love of sports coverage by volunteering for the San Francisco Marathon, the San Francisco Giant Race, and as the team physician for Northgate High School in Walnut Creek. Being a part of The Center for Sports Medicine allows Dr. Chen quick access to a multidisciplinary team of orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists, physiatrists, and physical therapists to return you to your highest functional level quickly and safely. Click here to contact us for your next appointment!

 

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