Persistent issues with AC joint discomfort: possible underlying factors explored
AC joint pain, a common issue in sports such as skiing, cycling, ice hockey, football, and lacrosse, can be attributed to two main causes: injuries and certain types of arthritis.
The AC joint, a crucial part of the shoulder, is made up of three bones: the upper arm bone, the shoulder blade, and the collarbone. The acromion process, a part of the shoulder blade, projects off and connects to the AC joint.
Trauma or injury to the AC joint, such as a fall or direct impact, is a common cause of pain. This can lead to inflammation or wear and tear in the joint, causing discomfort. Another cause is acromioclavicular osteoarthritis, which is wear and tear of the joint cartilage leading to joint inflammation.
Treatments for AC joint pain generally start with conservative approaches. Rest and activity modification to avoid aggravating movements, physical therapy or rehabilitation guided by specialist shoulder physiotherapists or osteopaths focusing on strengthening, stretching, and joint mobility, and ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections to reduce joint inflammation and pain are common initial steps.
If conservative treatments fail and there is persistent pain and joint degeneration, surgical excision of the AC joint may be considered. This can be performed by keyhole (arthroscopic) surgery or a small open incision, with recovery times allowing return to many activities within 6-12 weeks.
It's essential to seek medical help for AC joint pain that persists or worsens beyond 2 weeks despite rest, ice, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. Other signs that warrant professional evaluation include pain that does not improve with activity modification or physical therapy, pain that persists at rest, numbness, weakness radiating down the arm, or pain accompanied by other serious symptoms.
Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition, can also cause inflammation within joints, including the AC joint, and should be considered if symptoms persist. Other shoulder conditions, such as tendinitis, bursitis, rotator cuff injuries, or nerve compression, may sometimes overlap and contribute to pain.
For individuals at risk of arthritis, such as older individuals, those with a family history of arthritis, smokers, individuals with joint injuries in the past, and those with more weight or obesity, it's recommended to consult a healthcare professional.
Other options for treating arthritis of the shoulder include topical pain ointments or creams, acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections, and weight loss and moderate exercise.
In summary, AC joint pain related to injury or arthritis is common and can be managed with a combination of conservative treatments and, if necessary, surgery. Persistent or worsening symptoms warrant professional evaluation to avoid complications.
- Workplace-wellness programs can include strategies to prevent AC joint injuries, considering its prevalence in sports such as football, ice hockey, and lacrosse.
- A contextual analysis of sports-betting patterns in European leagues, such as the premier league, might reveal higher instances of betting on football, given the potential for AC joint injuries in players.
- Science has developed various therapies and treatments for chronic diseases like Alzheimer's, arthritis, and chronic kidney disease, emphasizing the importance of health and wellness in managing such conditions.
- Paxlovid, a medication used to treat COVID-19, does not target AC joint pain or related issues; however, maintaining fitness-and-exercise routines may strengthen one's immune system, potentially reducing the severity of other medical-conditions.
- Mental-health issues, including stress and anxiety, can exacerbate chronic diseases, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to health-and-wellness that includes mental-health considerations.
- Skin-care is essential in maintaining overall health, as prolonged outdoor activities like skiing could lead to sunburns or wind burns; sunscreen and protective clothing are recommended.
- CBD, a compound found in cannabis, has shown potential in managing chronic pain and inflammation, although further research is needed to determine its effectiveness in treating AC joint pain, particularly for athletes.
- Surgical treatments for chronic knee diseases, such as ACL reconstruction, can help restore functionality and reduce pain, much like the surgical excision of the AC joint for persistent issues.
- Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining joint health, with foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, calcium, and proteins promoting joint strength and reducing inflammation.
- As chronic diseases like arthritis can impact one's ability to engage in sports, sports analysis tools can help assess individual performance and tailor fitness-and-exercise routines to accommodate medical-conditions.
- Despite the potential risks associated with sports-betting, it's essential to be aware of sports-betting trends in European leagues, as persistent injuries in key players might impact a team's performance and influence betting odds.
