what is an ac shoulder sprain

An AC (acromioclavicular) joint sprain is an injury that damages the ligaments in the AC joint, which is where the shoulder blade meets the collarbone. This type of sprain is particularly common in athletes and can result from a hard, direct hit to the shoulder, falling onto the shoulder, or falling and landing on an arm or hand that was outstretched to break the fall. Symptoms of an AC joint sprain can vary depending on how serious the injury is, but they may include shoulder pain, soreness, swelling, bruising, change in the shoulders shape, bulge above the shoulder, shoulder that appears to droop, collarbone that moves upward, and limited movement in the shoulder. Treatment for an AC joint sprain will depend on how serious the strain is and can range from rest and ice to surgery.