The 3 Best Ways to Heal a Fractured Clavicle

The clavicle, or collarbone, is a long thin bone that runs down the length of your chest and connects to your upper arm and scapula. A fractured clavicle can be quite painful and slow to heal, with some fractures taking months to recover from. If you're looking for ways to speed things up, then read on for some tips on how to heal a broken clavicle quickly.

What is a Clavicle?

The clavicle, or collarbone, is one of these smaller bones. It is a long thin bone that runs from the sternum (breastbone) to the shoulder blade. The clavicle is an important bone because it helps to support the shoulder joint and allows for a wide range of motion in the arm.

A fractured clavicle occurs when there is a break in the bone. This can happen due to a fall, direct blow, or other trauma to the area. A broken clavicle can cause pain and swelling in the shoulder and neck area. It can also make it difficult to move your arm. Treatment for a fractured clavicle usually involves wearing a sling to immobilize the arm and allow the bone to heal properly. 

How to Heal a Fractured Clavicle

The clavicle is a long, thin bone that runs from the sternum (breastbone) to the shoulder joint. It helps to hold the shoulder in place and allows you to move your arm.

Most people heal well from a broken clavicle within 4 to 8 weeks without surgery. However, some people may need surgery to realign (set) the bone or to insert metal plates or screws to hold the bone in place while it heals.

There are several things you can do at home to help healing and reduce pain:

Rest: 

         Avoid activities that put stress on your clavicle. This includes lifting, pulling, or pushing objects. You may need to wear a sling for comfort. 

Ice:

        Apply ice packs for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. This will help reduce swelling and pain. 

Pain medication: 

                                Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed by your doctor.

 Sleep with a pillow: 

                                   Place a pillow under your arm on the side of your body with the broken clavicle when you sleep. 

Non-Surgical Treatment

There are a number of options for treating a fractured clavicle without surgery. 

The first is to wear a sling or shoulder Immobilizer to keep the arm from moving and allow the bone to heal. 

Another option is to have traction, in which weights are attached to the affected arm to pull it away from the body. This helps align the bone so that it can heal properly. 

A third non-surgical treatment option is electrical stimulation, which uses electrical impulses to promote healing. Finally, some people may opt for physical therapy to help regain strength and mobility in the affected arm.

Surgical Treatment

If the broken ends of your clavicle are out of alignment or if you have a severe break, you may need surgery to fix it. Surgery is also an option if nonsurgical treatments haven’t worked or if you have another injury along with your broken clavicle.

During surgery, the doctor makes an incision in your skin over the break. The surgeon will then line up the bone fragments and hold them together with metal plates and screws. In some cases, a metal rod may be used instead of plates and screws. The rod is placed through holes drilled in the bone on either side of the break. Once the bones are properly aligned, the surgeon closes the incision with stitches or staples.

You’ll likely need to wear a sling for six to eight weeks after surgery. Physical therapy may also be recommended to improve range of motion and strength of muscles.

Alternative Ideas for Healing Your Fractured Clavicle

A clavicle fracture, also known as a broken collarbone, is a very common injury. Most fractures occur in the middle third of the bone and are the result of a direct fall onto the shoulder or outstretched arm. A clavicle fracture can range from a small crack to a complete break in two pieces.

While most clavicle fractures will heal on their own with time, some may require surgery to ensure proper healing. If you have suffered a clavicle fracture, here are some alternative ideas for healing your injury:

1. Acupuncture: 

                           Acupuncture has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including pain relief. Studies have shown that acupuncture can be effective in treating collarbone pain and helping the bone to heal properly.

2. Chiropractic Adjustments: 

                                      Chiropractic adjustments can help to align the bones and muscles around the injured area, promoting proper healing.

3.Herbal Remedies:

                              There are many herbal remedies that can help to promote bone healing, such as comfrey and horsetail tea. Talk to your doctor or naturopathic physician about which herbs may be right for you.

4. Nutritional Supplements:

                                            Certain nutritional supplements, such as vitamin C and calcium, are important for bone health and healing. Your doctor or naturopathic physician can recommend specific supplements for you based on your individual needs.

Conclusion

There are a few different ways that you can heal a fractured clavicle. The first is by wearing a sling, which will help to support your arm and keep the bone in place as it heals. You can also use ice to reduce swelling and pain and take painkillers if necessary. If the fracture is more severe, you may need to have surgery to insert metal plates or screws into the bone to hold it in place. Recovery from a fractured clavicle can take several weeks or months, but eventually, the bone will heal, and you will be able to return to your normal activities.