Best Acromioclavicular Joint Disorder Treatment In Delhi NCR.

Acromioclavicular joint Disorder treatment at Arunalaya
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Introduction

Acromioclavicular joint disorder covers a spectrum of injuries and conditions that affect this crucial joint. It can range from mild sprains (ligament stretches or minor tears) to complete separations (where the ligaments are completely torn, causing the clavicle to displace significantly). Other conditions like osteoarthritis can also affect the AC joint, leading to pain and dysfunction.

The most common cause of AC joint disorder is trauma, typically a direct blow to the top of the shoulder, such as falling onto the point of your shoulder during sports or a fall. However, repetitive overhead activities or wear and tear over time can also contribute to AC joint problems.

Causes of Acromioclavicular Joint Disorder

Several factors can lead to AC joint disorder

  • Trauma-This is the most frequent cause. A direct impact to the top or outer aspect of the shoulder, often occurring during contact sports like football, rugby, hockey, or martial arts, or from falls onto the shoulder (e.g., from a bicycle or stairs), can injure the ligaments supporting the AC joint. The force of the impact drives the acromion downwards and inwards, potentially tearing the AC and coracoclavicular ligaments to varying degrees.
  • Indirect Trauma: Less commonly, an injury resulting from a fall onto an outstretched hand can transmit force up the arm to the shoulder, potentially injuring the AC joint.
  • Repetitive Overhead Activities: Athletes who engage in repetitive overhead movements, such as baseball pitchers, weightlifters (especially during bench presses or overhead presses), and certain manual laborers, can experience micro trauma to the AC joint and its surrounding structures over time. This repetitive stress can lead to inflammation, pain, and eventually, degenerative changes.
  • Osteoarthritis-Like other joints in the body, the AC joint can be affected by osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition where the cartilage within the joint breaks down over time. This wear and tear can lead to pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion, particularly in older individuals.
  • Infection-Although rare, infection within the AC joint (septic arthritis) can cause significant pain, swelling, and redness.
  • Tumors-Very rarely, tumors in the region of the AC joint can cause pain and dysfunction.
Symptoms of Acromioclavicular Joint Disorder
  • Pain-Pain is the most common symptom and is typically localized directly over the AC joint. The intensity of the pain can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the injury. Activities that involve moving the arm across the chest, lifting the arm overhead, or putting pressure on the top of the shoulder can exacerbate the pain.
  • Tenderness-The area directly over the AC joint will often be tender to the touch.
  • Swelling-Inflammation around the AC joint can lead to noticeable swelling in the area.
  • Bruising- If the injury was caused by trauma, bruising may be present around the AC joint and surrounding tissues.
  • Limited Range of Motion-Pain can restrict the ability to move the arm fully, especially during overhead activities or reaching across the body.
  • Weakness-Weakness in the affected arm may be experienced due to pain and the disruption of normal shoulder mechanics.
  • Audible Pop or Click– In some cases, individuals may hear or feel a pop or click at the time of injury. Chronic AC joint problems might also be associated with clicking or grinding sensations during movement.
Diagnosis of Acromioclavicular Joint Disorder
  • Physical Examination- Therapist will start by asking about your medical history, how the injury occurred and your symptoms. They will then perform a physical examination of your shoulder which may include-
    • Palpation-Gently feeling the AC joint area to assess for tenderness, swelling, and any palpable deformity.
    • Range of Motion Tests-Assessing how far you can move your arm in different directions and noting any pain or limitations.
    • Specific Tests: Several tests are used to specifically stress the AC joint if it is injured. These tests often involve adducting (bringing across the body) the arm, flexing the arm, or applying pressure to the AC joint.
  • Imaging Studies:
    • X-rays-These are usually the first imaging study ordered. Standard X-rays of the shoulder can reveal the alignment of the AC joint and any significant separation of the clavicle from the acromion. Weight-bearing X-rays (where you hold weights in your hands during the X-ray) may be taken to better assess the degree of vertical separation, as the weight can accentuate the displacement.
    • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI provides detailed images of the soft tissues, including ligaments, cartilage, and muscles. It’s often used to evaluate the extent of ligament damage (sprains or tears) associated with AC joint injuries and to identify other potential problems in the shoulder, such as rotator cuff tears or labral tears.
    • Ultrasound-Ultrasound can be used to visualize the AC joint and surrounding soft tissues in real-time. It can be helpful in identifying fluid collections or significant ligament disruptions, although it’s generally not as detailed as MRI for assessing internal ligament damage.
    • CT Scan (Computed Tomography): CT scans provide cross-sectional images of the bones and can be useful for evaluating complex fractures or degenerative changes in the AC joint, although they are not typically the first-line imaging study for AC joint injuries.
Treatment Options for Acromioclavicular Joint Disorder

Non-Surgical Treatment-

  • Rest-Avoiding activities that aggravate the pain is crucial. This may involve temporarily limiting the use of the affected arm and shoulder.
  • Ice- Applying ice packs to the AC joint area for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help reduce pain and swelling. Always use a cloth between the ice pack and your skin to prevent frostbite.
  • Sling-A sling can be used to immobilize the arm and shoulder, providing support and reducing stress on the injured AC joint, especially in the initial stages of recovery. The duration of sling use varies depending on the severity of the injury.
  • Physical Therapy: Once the initial pain and inflammation subside, physical therapy plays a vital role in rehabilitation.
  • Restore Range of Motion- Gentle exercises will help you regain full movement in your shoulder and arm.
  • Strengthen Surrounding Muscles: Strengthening the muscles around the shoulder (rotator cuff, deltoids, trapezius, etc.) helps to provide stability to the shoulder joint and compensate for the injured AC joint.
  • Improve Posture and Mechanics-Proper posture and movement patterns can help reduce stress on the AC joint during activities.
  • Pain Management Techniques: Your therapist may also use modalities like hot pack,ultrasound or electrical stimulation to help manage pain.

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