Shoulder injuries from falling can be caused by a wide variety of things. They can be the result of a clavicle fracture, a dislocation, or a rotator cuff tear. Read on to learn more about how to avoid these types of injuries and get the help you need to recover.
Dislocation
Dislocations caused by falling are one of the most common injuries that people suffer. A dislocation is when a bone slips out of the joint. It can be a painful and unpleasant experience, but isn’t life threatening.
Usually a joint that has been displaced will feel swollen and bruised. In severe cases, muscles and blood vessels around the joint may be damaged. Depending on the type of dislocation, a patient may be able to heal on their own, or they may require surgical treatment.
People are more likely to develop a joint dislocation if they participate in activities that are high risk for falling. This includes sports such as roller blading and contact sports.
While a partial dislocation may be healed on its own, a complete dislocation will require surgery to repair the bones. Treatment for a dislocation can include medicines and physiotherapy. For more serious injuries, a sling or cast may be used to immobilize the joint.
When you fall, the force on your wrist or arm can cause the bone to move out of place. The forces can be significant, causing a dislocation. If you feel like you’ve fallen, call 911 and go to the hospital immediately.
An X-ray may be required to confirm the injury. Some dislocations are small and can be treated by applying ice or using pain relievers. However, more severe dislocations can be very painful.
Depending on the type of dislocation, your doctor will recommend a specific set of exercises to help you heal. Strengthening core muscles will help you improve balance and prevent further dislocations.
Hand and wrist dislocations are common. They can occur after a collision with another player, or from catching a ball with your hand.
Rotator cuff tear
Rotator cuff tears are common injuries, and they occur in a wide variety of people. They can be caused by falling, repetitive motion, or some other injury. When the rotator cuff is damaged, it can cause pain, weakness, and even deformity. Depending on the severity of the injury, the patient may be in need of surgery.
Symptoms of a rotator cuff tear include immediate weakness and pain when lifting the arm. If the pain is more severe, the doctor may recommend over-the-counter medications, or physical therapy. The symptoms usually improve with rest, but it is not uncommon for them to worsen at night.
A rotator cuff tear may be caused by a fall, or it can develop slowly over time. It is important to get treated right away to prevent the symptoms from getting worse. There are many factors that can cause a tear, including sports, gymnastics, and weightlifting.
In order to diagnose a rotator cuff tear, an orthopedic surgeon will examine the shoulder. He or she will also examine the patient’s medical history. Some doctors may use imaging tests to determine the extent of the tear. These tests will look for calcium deposits, bone calcifications, and inflammation in the soft tissue.
MRI and ultrasound can also be used to find the location of the tear. Surgical repair is often needed if a full tear occurs. However, if the tear is only a partial tear, it can heal with rest and conservative treatment.
Patients in the middle-aged and older are often candidates for arthroscopic surgery. This type of surgery involves very small incisions, and offers less bleeding and muscle trauma.
After surgery, a sling is worn for four to six weeks, and patients are taught stretching and strengthening exercises to help with healing. Recovery is gradual, and it can take a year or more for complete use of the arm.
Clavicle fracture
Clavicle fractures are injuries that occur when a person’s upper arm is forced out of its normal position. These fractures can also cause pain when the arm moves. If you suffer from a clavicle fracture, the best thing you can do is see your doctor immediately.
Clavicle fractures are usually located in the middle third of the length of the clavicle. This is a weak area of the bone. Therefore, it is commonly treated conservatively. However, there is some debate as to whether or not surgical fixation improves outcomes.
Patients with clavicle fractures often have swelling and tenderness over the injury site. In addition, there may be some degree of angulation. As the bone heals, it will gradually smooth out.
Nonunion, or the inability for the bone to heal, is an indicator that surgery may be necessary. Although most patients have a good outcome, over 30% will experience complications.
Depending on the severity of the fracture, a patient can expect to be in pain for up to two months. For most patients, the pain is relatively minor.
When the injury is less severe, patients can begin returning to their activities gradually. Some can begin moving their arm as early as six weeks. Most adults are able to resume full daily activity within three to four months. Children may have to spend a few months in rehabilitation before they can return to full contact sports.
Pain is the most common complaint from a clavicle fracture. The injured person should use ice packs for 20 to 30 minutes at a time. A few patients can experience chronic pain.
There are many treatment options available for a clavicle fracture. Several studies have shown that conservative therapy is associated with a good functional outcome. It is also possible to heal a fracture without requiring surgery.
Symptoms of a proximal humerus fracture
A proximal humerus fracture occurs when a person falls and breaks a part of the humerus. This fracture can be painful. It can also cause a patient to develop stiffness in their arm or shoulder. For this reason, it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible.
Proximal humerus fractures are usually diagnosed through imaging procedures. These include X-ray, CT scan, and MRI. The imaging tests will help the doctor determine whether the fracture is stable or dislodged. Once a diagnosis is made, the patient will be referred to an orthopedic surgeon for further assessment.
If the fracture is stable, the doctor may prescribe physical therapy. These exercises will help restore shoulder and arm mobility. They can start as early as three weeks after the injury. Depending on the severity of the fracture, the patient may have to wear a cast or sling for several weeks.
After the cast is removed, the patient can begin gentle range of motion exercises. As the pain improves, more advanced exercises can be added. Exercises can be done using a stick or a bar, which helps use the good arm.
During rehabilitation, the physical therapist will teach the patient how to perform various range of motion exercises. She will also work with the patient on a physical therapy plan.
As the bones heal, you should keep a tight blood sugar control. Also, avoid smoking. Having regular x-rays is also helpful.
Surgery may be necessary if the proximal humerus fracture is displaced. There are four types of proximal humerus fractures: open, dislodged, impacted, and malunion. All of these are classified by the amount of bone that has moved out of position.
Recovery time
A shoulder injury is a painful condition that can lead to long-term problems. When you get injured, you should always consult your doctor to find the best treatment.
Shoulder injuries can be caused by a variety of factors. They may occur due to contact sports, motor vehicle accidents, or simply a fall. However, there are also some things you can do to reduce your chances of injury.
One of the easiest ways to reduce your risk of injury is to avoid doing activities that put excessive strain on your shoulders. You should also rest your arm when it hurts. Resting your arm allows the healing process to begin.
To help minimize the pain, use ice to cool the affected area. It can also help decrease swelling. Wrapping the shoulder in a sling may also help. Do not keep the arm in the sling for more than a few days.
Depending on the severity of your injury, you may need to undergo physical therapy. This will help you regain your strength, range of motion, and flexibility.
You might also want to consider surgery. Some shoulder injuries require open surgery to fix the broken bones. Surgical procedures are often performed under a general anesthetic. The recovery time for shoulder surgery depends on several factors.
Surgical repair can prevent further dislocations. For more information, you should consult an orthopaedic surgeon. Depending on the severity of your injury, the recovery time may be short or long.
Another option is to use shoulder exercises to help you recover. These exercises will help you regain muscle strength, increase your range of motion, and prevent a future dislocation.
As you start to feel better, you should try to return to normal activity. Avoid strenuous workouts until your injury has healed.