Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Get medical attention
• Part 2 of 3: Controlling the pain during the recovery process
• Part 3 of 3: Promoting rapid healing

The clavicle, or collarbone, is the bone that connects the top part of your sternum to your shoulder blade. Most clavicle fractures are caused by falls, sports injuries, or car and bicycle accidents. If you think your collarbone is broken, see a doctor. If you wait, it is more likely that the fracture will not heal properly.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Get medical attention

1. Recognize the symptoms of a broken collarbone. The fracture is painful and has a number of characteristic symptoms. People with a broken collarbone often have the following:
   • Pain that gets worse when moving the shoulder
   • Swellings
   • Pain that gets worse when the collarbone is touched
   • Bruising
   • A bulge on or near the shoulder
   • A grinding sound or grinding sensation when moving the shoulder
   • Difficulty moving the shoulder
   • Tingling or numbness in the arm or fingers
   • A drooping shoulder
2. See a doctor so that the bone can be properly positioned. This is important to ensure that the bone can heal as quickly as possible and in the correct position. Bones that don't heal in the correct position often heal with strange-looking lumps.
   • The doctor will order an X-ray and maybe even a CT scan to find out exactly where the fracture is.
   • The doctor will put a sling on you. A sling is necessary because your collarbone also moves when you move your shoulder. A sling can also partially soothe the pain by reducing the weight on the broken collarbone.
   • Children should wear the sling for one to two months. Adults should wear the sling for two to four months.
   • The doctor may have you wear an 8 bandage to keep your arm and collarbone in the correct position.
3. Get surgery if the broken ends of the bone don't fit together. If so, you may need surgery to keep the parts in the correct position while the bone heals. It is not pleasant to undergo surgery, but it does ensure that the bone heals properly without permanent marks or lumps.
   • The doctor can use plates, screws, or pins to stabilize the bone.

Part 2 of 3: Controlling the pain during the recovery process

1. Soothe pain and swelling with ice. The cold will reduce the swelling. The cold also helps numb your shoulder a bit.
   • Use an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas and wrap it in a towel. Do not put the ice directly on your skin, as this can damage your skin.
   • On the first day, you should put ice on the fracture every hour for 20 minutes.
   • For the next few days, you should put ice on the fracture every three to four hours.
2. Peace. If you sit or lie still, your body will be able to use more energy to heal the fracture. Resting also reduces the chance of injuring yourself even more.
   • Don't move your arm if it hurts. Your body thus indicates that it is too early for you to do that.
   • You may need more sleep during the healing process. Get at least eight hours of sleep.
   • When you are rested, you will also be in a better mood, which will help you deal with the pain.
3. Soothe the pain with over-the-counter pain relievers. These drugs will also reduce inflammation. However, wait 24 hours after the fracture develops before taking these medications, as they can increase bleeding or slow down bone healing. By waiting 24 hours, your body will start the healing process on its own.
   • Try ibuprofen (including Advil and Sarixell).
   • Take naproxen (Aleve).
   • Follow the directions on the package and your doctor's instructions. Do not take more than the recommended dose.
   • Do not give medications containing aspirin to children under the age of 19.
   • Seek advice from your doctor if you have or have ever had heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney problems, stomach ulcers or internal bleeding.
   • Do not mix these medications with alcohol or other medications, including over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, or supplements.
   • Talk to your doctor if the pain is still excruciating. Your doctor can write you a prescription for a stronger remedy.

Part 3 of 3: Promoting rapid healing

1. Have a diet that is high in calcium. Calcium plays a very important role in your body in building bones. The following foods are good sources of calcium:
   • Cheese, milk, yogurt and other dairy products.
   • Broccoli, kale and other dark green leafy vegetables.
   • Fish with bones that are soft enough to eat, such as sardines or canned salmon.
   • Foods with added calcium, such as soy, cereals, fruit juice and milk substitutes.
2. Get enough vitamin D. You need vitamin D so that your body can absorb calcium. You can get vitamin D by doing the following:
   • Spending time in the sun. Your body will produce vitamin D when the sunlight shines on your skin.
   • Eat eggs, meat, salmon, mackerel, and sardines.
   • Eating foods with added vitamin D, such as breakfast cereals, soy products, dairy and powdered milk.
3. Help your body heal with physical therapy. As a result, your body will be less stiff while you have to wear the sling. After you no longer have to wear the sling, physical therapy will help strengthen your muscles and become more flexible.
   • The physical therapist will have you do exercises that are appropriate for how strong you are and how well the fracture has already healed. Perform the exercises according to the instructions.
   • Build up the exercises slowly. If it hurts, stop. Don't overdo it right away.
4. Make your shoulder less stiff by using heat. You can take advantage of heat when the area in question is no longer swollen. The heat will feel good and improve your circulation. Both heat and dry heat should help.
   • This can help if you are in pain after seeing a physical therapist.
   • Apply a warm compress to the fracture for about 15 minutes. However, do not put the compress directly on your skin, but wrap it in a towel so that you do not burn yourself.
5. Ask your doctor if you are strong enough for other methods of pain relief. However, don't start these activities until your doctor says you're ready. You have the following options:
   • Acupuncture
   • Massages
   • Yoga