Acromioclavicular Joint Arthritis or Sprain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Reviewed By:
Dr. Sameer Gohir ^{PhD, MSc, PG Cert MSK ultrasound, PG Cert. Non-Medical Prescribing, MCSP, MAPPN}
Muhammad Asim Ishaque ^{MSc, PG Cert MSK ultrasound, Dip. MSK Medicine, PG Cert. Non-Medical Prescribing, MCSP, MAPPN}

What Is Acromioclavicular Joint Sprain (Shoulder Separation)?

A shoulder separation is not a true injury to the main shoulder joint but rather a sprain of the ligaments that support the AC joint. It occurs when these ligaments are stretched or torn, often due to a fall directly on the shoulder or a forceful impact.

The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is located at the top of the shoulder, where the collarbone (clavicle) meets a part of the shoulder blade called the acromion.

This joint is supported by ligaments, including the acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments. Injuries or degenerative conditions affecting the AC joint can cause significant shoulder pain and limited movement.

Shoulder pain from AC joint arthritis or sprain? Joint Injection Clinic near Kent and Essex offers care to help ease pain and restore your movement.

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Causes of AC Joint Sprain:

Falls: Falling directly onto the shoulder is a common cause.
Direct Impact: A blow to the shoulder, often seen in contact sports, can also sprain the AC joint.

Symptoms of AC Joint Sprain:

Pain at the top of the shoulder, especially with movement.
Tenderness over the AC joint.
Swelling in the shoulder area.
Limited range of motion in the arm.
In more severe sprains, a visible bump may appear on top of the shoulder where the collarbone is displaced.

Treatment of AC Joint Sprain:

Treatment for an AC joint sprain depends on the severity of the ligament damage.

Mild Sprains:
Rest, ice, pain relievers (such as over-the-counter NSAIDs), and use of a sling for a short period are often sufficient.
Physical therapy may be recommended to restore range of motion and strength.
Severe Sprains:
More severe sprains, where ligaments are significantly torn and the joint is unstable, may require surgical intervention to reconstruct the damaged ligaments and stabilize the joint.

What is Acromioclavicular Joint Arthritis?

AC joint arthritis, or osteoarthritis, is a degenerative condition that develops when the cartilage within the AC joint wears down over time. This wear and tear can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced function.

Causes of AC Joint Arthritis:

Wear and Tear:
The primary cause is the natural breakdown of cartilage due to daily use and stress on the joint.
Repetitive Overhead Activities:
People who engage in activities involving frequent overhead lifting or movements, such as weightlifters, construction workers, and certain athletes, are more susceptible.
Previous Injury:
A prior AC joint sprain or other injury can accelerate the development of arthritis in the joint.

Symptoms of AC Joint Arthritis:

Pain and tenderness at the top of the shoulder, particularly over the AC joint.
Pain that worsens with activities that involve bringing the arm across the chest or lifting overhead.
Pain that may be present even at rest, especially when sleeping on the affected side.
Decreased shoulder motion.
Swelling around the joint.
A clicking or snapping sensation with shoulder movement.
In some cases, a bump may form at the AC joint due to bone spurs.

Treatment of AC Joint Arthritis:

Treatment for AC joint arthritis focuses on managing pain and maintaining function.

Conservative Treatment:
Rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers are often the first line of treatment.
Physiotherapy can help improve shoulder mechanics and reduce stress on the joint.
Corticosteroid injections into the AC joint can provide temporary pain relief by reducing inflammation. Read more about benifits and risks of cortisone injection.
Surgical Treatment:
If conservative measures are not effective, surgery may be considered. A common surgical procedure involves removing a small portion of the end of the collarbone (distal clavicle excision) to create more space in the joint and prevent bone-on-bone rubbing.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you experience persistent shoulder pain, especially at the top of the shoulder, limited range of motion, or a visible deformity, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. A proper diagnosis is essential to determine the underlying cause of your pain and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Private AC Joint Pain Assessment & Treatment

Persistent pain at the top of the shoulder can come from an AC joint sprain, AC joint osteoarthritis, or another nearby shoulder structure. Joint Injection Clinic can assess the likely pain source and help you choose the most appropriate next step rather than assuming every AC joint problem needs the same treatment.

A recent sprain is usually managed with protection, gradual movement and rehabilitation. If pain is localised to an arthritic or persistently inflamed AC joint, a corticosteroid injection may be considered after assessment. More significant separation, deformity or ongoing instability may need further imaging or an orthopaedic opinion.

AC Joint Pain Treatment Near You

Private assessment and appropriate treatment for AC joint pain are available through Joint Injection Clinic at:

You can book an assessment first and discuss the most appropriate treatment for your shoulder pain.

Request an AC Joint Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

A corticosteroid injection may be considered when pain is clearly localised to the AC joint and conservative treatment has not been sufficient. Suitability depends on the clinical assessment and the likely cause of the pain.

Not routinely. Most sprains are managed with protection and rehabilitation. Injection is more relevant to selected persistent inflammatory or arthritic AC joint pain than to an acute ligament injury.

Other Shoulder Conditions We Treat

Not every shoulder problem presents the same way. If your symptoms don’t fully match this condition, explore the other shoulder conditions we treat below.