SINN Féin MP John Finucane has told of the "excruciating" pain after dislocating his shoulder at a charity football match.
Mr Finuance sustained the injury while playing in goals at a game in aid of those suffering with cystic fibrosis.
He went to the Royal Victoria Hospital and had to receive a general anaesthetic to put the joint back in place.
The North Belfast MP said: "The shoulder just came right out whatever way it hit. It was excruciating.
"I have had a lot of injuries over the years but this was the most painful.
"I was going down to make a save and whatever way I hit the ground – I can't even blame anyone else.
"I came off and went to hospital. They tried to put it back in with local anaesthetic but they had to put it back in with general anaesthetic."
Mr Finuance has been wearing a sling while at events meeting constituents.
"If I'm sitting working at a desk or watching TV I don't have a sling on, but if I'm out and about it's just so people are careful and just to hold that position," he said.
Mr Finuance thanked hospital staff for treating him following his injury.
The solicitor, of Lámh Dhearg GAA club, said he was unsure how long his recovery would take but he is due another hospital appointment next week.
"I will see what the experts say and will go from there. I'm still harbouring ambitions to play club football," he added.
The charity soccer game was held earlier this month at Crusaders FC's Seaview ground and involved some of the north's biggest sporting stars and well-known faces.
Boxer Carl Frampton, former Northern Ireland footballer Keith Gillespie and comedian Shane Todd were among those who took part.
The match was organised by professional boxer Ciaran McVarnock, boyfriend of cystic fibrosis sufferer Nicole Adams, and raised more than £9,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
