16 Known Symptoms of Broken Collarbone

A broken collarbone is a rare condition that doesn’t often occur often in the United States. In fact, there are less than 200,000 cases reported each year. A broken collarbone occurs when the bone breaks that connects the breastbone and shoulder. When you have a broken collarbone, it can heal within days to weeks, if you get treatment early. In other times, surgery may be needed.

Once the collarbone is broken, it shouldn’t be moved. It needs to be placed in an arm sling until the doctor gives the okay to remove it. Physical therapy will do a number of strengthening exercises with you so that your broken collarbone can heal faster.

Once it heals, you’ll be able to go back to the activities that you were doing before this happened. When you have a broken collarbone, you’ll need to know what the symptoms are.

Here are eight known symptoms of a broken collarbone.

1. Pain increases when the shoulder is moved is a symptom of a broken collarbone. 

It’s important to try not to move it. It is a good idea to place the broken arm in a sling. The sling will prevent you from moving your shoulder. Pain-relieving medication should be taken as well. The pain will cease for a few hours. You’ll need to take them as directed. For instance, if the pill bottle says to take two every six hours, that is what you’re supposed to do. Don’t take three just because you’re in excruciating pain.

A lot of the times things you do can make the pain worse. It may be uncomfortable to be able to do things on your own. It is best to have someone assist you, so you won’t be tempted to move your shoulder. Even when bathing and dressing, have someone assist you with that as well.