Broken Shoulder Blade

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Causes

Signs/Symptoms

Care

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

• Apply ice to the injury for 15 to 20 minutes each hour for the first 1 to 2 days. Put the ice in a plastic bag and place a thin towel between the bag of ice and your skin or the splint.
• After the first 1 to 2 days, you may put heat on the injury to help lessen the pain. Use a heating pad (set on low), whirlpool bath, or warm, moist towels for 15 to 20 minutes every hour for 48 hours.
• Wear your sling until your doctor says you may take it off or until your follow-up examination.
  • You may take off the sling to dress or bathe, but be careful not to move your arm.
  • Never lift your arm.
• If the doctor prescribes pain medicine that makes you drowsy, don't drive. You also may take over-the-counter medicines for pain. Take all medications exactly as directed.
• If you are given a tetanus shot, your arm may get swollen, red, and warm to the touch at the site of the shot. This is a normal reaction to the medicine.

Call Your Doctor If...

• Pain and swelling gets worse.
• Your arm becomes numb, pale, or cold.

Seek Care Immediately If...

• You have pain in your chest, trouble breathing, cough, or fever.