Broken Collarbone

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Causes

Signs/Symptoms

Care

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

• To decrease pain and swelling, apply ice to the injury for 15 to 20 minutes each hour for the first 1 or 2 days. Put the ice in a plastic bag and place a towel between the bag of ice and your skin.
• After the first 1 or 2 days, you may apply heat to the injury to help relieve pain for the next 48 hours. You may use a warm heating pad, whirlpool bath, or warm, moist towels. Apply the heat for 15 to 20 minutes every hour.
• Wear a splint or sling constantly for several weeks, even at night. You may remove the splint or sling for bathing or showering. Be sure to keep your shoulder in the same place as when the splint was on. Do not lift your arm.
• If you are using a ""figure-eight'' splint, it must be tightened by another person every day:
  • Tighten it enough to keep the shoulders held back in a military posture.
  • Allow enough room to place the index finger between the body and the strap.
  • Loosen the splint IMMEDIATELY if you feel numbness or tingling in your hands.
• You may take over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to ease the pain.

Call Your Doctor If...

• You have increased pain and swelling.

Seek Care Immediately If...

• Your arm is numb, cold, or pale even when the splint is loose.