The collarbone is the bone that sits just below the neck and runs from the top of the breastbone to the shoulder blade. Most fractures of this bone are due to falls, sports injuries or car accidents. If you are concerned that you have a broken collarbone, you need to go to the doctor; if you wait, you are less likely to heal properly.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Seeking Medical Care
Step 1. Recognize the symptoms of a broken collarbone
This trauma is painful and has a number of very specific symptoms. People with a collarbone fracture often experience:
- Pain that gets worse with shoulder movement.
- Swelling.
- Pain to touch.
- Hematoma.
- A bump on or near the shoulder.
- A noise similar to a creak or a feeling of friction when moving the shoulder.
- Difficulty moving the shoulder.
- Tingling or numbness in the arm or fingers.
- Sagging shoulder.
Step 2. See your doctor to realign the bone properly
It is important to seek medical attention, so that the collarbone can heal as quickly as possible and in the right position. When they don't heal in the correct position, the bones often take on a strange appearance, with bump-like bumps.
- The doctor may decide to do an x-ray and perhaps even a computed tomography to determine the exact location of the fracture.
- You may also want to consider locking your arm with a shoulder strap; this is because the movement of the arm triggers that of the collarbone. Furthermore, thanks to the shoulder strap, pain is reduced by eliminating some of the weight that the broken collarbone has to support.
- Babies should wear the shoulder strap for 1-2 months, while adults for 2 or even 4 months.
- The doctor may also decide to put on a figure-of-eight bandage to keep the arm and collarbone in the correct position.
Step 3. Undergo surgery if the ends of the broken bone do not join together
If this is the case, surgery will be required to properly position the fragments as they heal. Although this is an unpleasant procedure, it ensures that your collarbone heals perfectly, with no marks or bumps remaining.
The surgeon may use plates, screws or pins to stabilize the bone
Part 2 of 3: Managing Pain During Convalescence
Step 1. Reduce pain and swelling with ice
The cold allows to slow down the inflammatory process and numbs the area a little.
- Use an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel. Do not place ice directly on the skin, as this could cause damage to the skin.
- On the first day after your injury, apply ice for 20 minutes every hour, throughout the day.
- For the next 2-3 days, put on ice every 3-4 hours.
Step 2. Rest
If you keep your body calm, you can devote more energy to the painful area and speed up the healing process. Also, by resting you reduce the risk of further injury.
- If you feel pain when moving your arm, avoid doing it; your body is telling you that it is still too early.
- You should sleep more during your recovery. Make sure you do this at least 8 hours every night.
- When you are well rested, your mood also benefits, which improves and helps you manage pain better.
Step 3. Get relief by taking pain relievers
These medications also help reduce inflammation, but wait 24 hours after injury before you start taking them, as they may increase bleeding or reduce bone resilience. Wait 24 hours to give your body time to start healing naturally.
- Try ibuprofen (Brufen).
- Alternatively, take naproxen (Momendol).
- Follow the doctor's instructions or the instructions on the leaflet regarding the dosage; do not take more than the recommended amount.
- Do not give drugs containing salicylic acid to children and young people under 19 years old.
- See your doctor if you have - or have had in the past - heart problems, high blood pressure, kidney disease, stomach ulcers, or internal bleeding.
- Do not mix these medications with alcohol, other medications, even over the counter, herbal remedies, or supplements.
- Talk to your doctor if the pain is intolerable; may prescribe stronger medications to relieve it.
Part 3 of 3: Encouraging Rapid Healing
Step 1. Eat a calcium-rich diet
This mineral is essential for the body, as it helps build bones. The foods described below are excellent sources of calcium:
- Cheese, milk, yogurt and other dairy products.
- Broccoli, kale and other dark green leafy vegetables.
- Fish with bones soft enough to eat, such as sardines or canned salmon.
- Foods enriched with calcium. These include soy, cereals, fruit juices and milk substitutes.
Step 2. Get enough vitamin D
It is a necessary element for the body to be able to absorb calcium. You can assimilate it through:
- Exposure to sunlight. The human body automatically produces vitamin D when the skin is hit by the sun's rays.
- Consumption of eggs, meat, salmon, mackerel and sardines.
- The consumption of foods enriched with vitamin D, such as cereals, soy products, dairy products and milk powder.
Step 3. Help the body heal with physiotherapy
This way, you reduce stiffness while using the shoulder strap. When this support is no longer needed, physiotherapy will allow you to recover muscle strength and flexibility.
- The therapist will show you exercises specific to your strength level and healing phase. Perform them exactly as they were directed to you.
- Gradually increase the intensity; if you feel pain, stop immediately. Don't expect too much, too soon.
Step 4. Reduce stiffness with heat
Once the trauma site is no longer swollen, you can apply warm compresses to increase circulation and feel some well-being; Both wet and dry heat should help.
- If you feel sore after physical therapy, the heat will help.
- Apply a warm compress for about 15 minutes; however, you do not have to place it directly on the skin, to avoid burns.
Step 5. Ask your doctor if your muscles are strong enough to switch to other methods of pain relief
However, avoid engaging in these activities before your doctor has authorized you. Here are some options:
- Acupuncture.
- Massages.
- Yoga.
