How to Treat a Broken Collerbone

Your collarbone is located in the area between your shoulder and your neck. If you suspect you have a broken bone, you should see your doctor immediately. Certain types of collar bone breaks may require surgery. Read on to learn how to treat a broken collarbone.

Things You'll Need

• Collarbone brace or ace bandage
• Ice packs
• Over-the-counter pain relievers

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Instructions

• 1

  After your doctor diagnoses you with a broken collar bone you will need to keep the area mobilized. Broken collar bones are situated in an area that is impossible to put a cast on, so the usual immobilization technique used is the application of a cloth collar bone brace or an ace bandage that wraps underneath both arms in a figure eight to keep you from moving the area. A sling can also be used to keep you from moving the arm on the affected side. Keep the brace or bandage on at all times until your bone is healed. A broken collar bone can take anywhere from four to eight weeks to heal completely.

• 2

  Apply ice packs to the area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. This will keep the swelling down and help with pain.

• 3

  Take over the counter pain relievers such as Tylenol or Advil. These help reduce swelling and pain. If your pain is too intense, ask your doctor for a prescription pain reliever.

• 4

  Do not play sports or engage in any activities that might interfere with the healing of the bone. Further trauma could worsen the break or re-break the fragile bone after it has started to heal.