Torn ligament

Frugalista

Hi, I have been diagnosed, by the doctor, as having torn a ligament in my right shoulder/upper arm and am currently waiting for a hospital appointment for a scan to assess the damage.

The doctor has told me to take paracetemol, etc, to manage the pain - but, to be honest, it's simply not enough. It's a persistent ache in my neck, shoulder and down my arm.

Tonight I stood in the shower and ran hot water on my neck for about 30 minutes and it seems to have eased it a little.

Does anyone have any advice about how to manage this whilst I am waiting for my appointment? I am not asking for medical advice - just some practical remedies for soothing this pain.

Thanks in advance.

Savvy_Sue

ouch.

Talk to your local pharmacist about what OTC painkillers you could take - there is stronger stuff than paracetamol out there.

If that doesn't help, ask the GP for something stronger.

Supporting your arm with cushions / pillows etc may help.

lizziebabe

Frugalista wrote: »

Hi, I have been diagnosed, by the doctor, as having torn a ligament in my right shoulder/upper arm and am currently waiting for a hospital appointment for a scan to assess the damage.

The doctor has told me to take paracetemol, etc, to manage the pain - but, to be honest, it's simply not enough. It's a persistent ache in my neck, shoulder and down my arm.

Tonight I stood in the shower and ran hot water on my neck for about 30 minutes and it seems to have eased it a little.

Does anyone have any advice about how to manage this whilst I am waiting for my appointment? I am not asking for medical advice - just some practical remedies for soothing this pain.

Thanks in advance.

Sounds painful. Agree with Savvy Sue - there may be some stronger painkillers or a rub in gel you could apply.

To take the strain off it you could put your arm in a sling - the 90 degree type - so that it supports your arm and shoulder, again ask at the pharmacy. They will also probably help you to put it on. This should take the strain off your neck. (First aid treatment).

Have you got a gel pack of the type that you can heat up in the microwave - they can be useful. Or a hot water bottle wrapped in something comfortable.

Hope you get the scan soon and get some further help. All the best.

jenniewb

I have torn ligaments in a different area: I have a sprained ankle now 2 weeks old and still swollen!

From what I understand, I tore it and there was immediate swelling to my ankle caused by the trauma of the accident. Then I got swelling also from the fact the ligaments tore as they are filled with collegen and this has leaked out and caused additional swelling.

What helps injuries to recover after the initial R.I.C.E (Rest, Ice Compression and Elevation) -not sure how this applied to the shoulder btw, circulation is important. Circulation to the area brings new blood cells which are needed for repair and helps carry away waste. Definetly if it were your ankle anyway its advised to keep it mobile, keep it moving. The additional issue with a torn ankle ligament (again check this with your doctor as it may be different) is that once the scar tissue forms its brittle and if it forms and becomes hardened it then can pull on other muscles and create other pain aside from reducing range of movement which is another reason why its a good idea to keep the area mobile- but very carefully and under the instruction of a physio or qualified sports/injury massage therapist, not just anyone!

Once your a few days into the injury heat can help but if its a fresh injury ice will actually help reduce any swelling brought on by pain. The heat can help (eg your warm shower) but careful if you do use it that its not bringing on any more swelling as this can present additional problems and also cause the circulation to be weakened if the swelling pushes on the muscles too much so go easy on the heat!

nappentass

FWIW - I can't take most types of painkillers but have used EFT very successfully when I've injured myself - it's a tapping technique you can teach yourself so is very useful and effective.

hth

nappentass

jenniewb wrote: »

I have torn ligaments in a different area: I have a sprained ankle now 2 weeks old and still swollen!

As a Bowen Therapist I suggest that if you can find a therapist or physio that does Bowen Technique in your area they may be able to help with that swollen ankle - there's a procedure that hasn't failed me yet with all kinds of swollen ankle including my own!
hth

roshydoshy

Heat definitely works and one way or getting a quick fix is to get someone to blast the area with a hairdryer (obviously be careful not to burn your skin) but then put a hot water bottle where needed. Also, see if anyone (or yourself - not sure how common they are) has a poncho for you to use - sounds so simple but it really does make such a difference not to have to move the injury wherever possible - just whip it on and off with the other arm instead of fussing around with sleeves etc x

roshydoshy

jenniewb wrote: »

I have torn ligaments in a different area: I have a sprained ankle now 2 weeks old and still swollen!

nappentass wrote: »

As a Bowen Therapist I suggest that if you can find a therapist or physio that does Bowen Technique in your area they may be able to help with that swollen ankle - there's a procedure that hasn't failed me yet with all kinds of swollen ankle including my own!
hth

be careful it's been properly assessed - i got told time after time that mine was sprained and made to walk on it, and after 8 months they realised it was torn ligaments, if it hurts please be careful with it!!

If the swelling doesn't go down soon go to the drs and they might refer you to a physio or ultrasound technicians (weird i know!) to break down the swelling as it could hamper recovery x

ailuro2

If what the doc told you to do isn't working go back to the doctor and ask what to do next...

mixing pills and potions won't help it get better any quicker, but your doc can recommend physio / heat or cold therapy, or none of the above.;)
Of course he can see it, which none of us can, hence best to go right back to the experts.:D

Good Luck, and take it easy!

gunsandbanjos

May sound a bit weird but i use these http://www.amazon.co.uk/Robinson-relief-xtra-muscle-tension-discs/dp/B001E4GPU0/ref=sr_1_22?s=drugstore&ie=UTF8&qid=1297272969&sr=1-22

Love them, use them to manage pain all the time.

poppyolivia

did my ankle YEARS ago..still sore when it rains!..I used hot water bottle on it when it was at its worst.