How to Treat and Manage Symptoms of a Bruised Collarbone
It’s easy to underestimate how much we rely on our collarbones for everyday movements until they become a source of consistent pain.
A bruised collarbone might not look like a big deal at first, but it can quickly turn into a painful and frustrating experience. You’ll feel the ache even when you lift your arm, and those everyday activities, like lifting objects, can become challenging.
The good news is that with the right care and management, you can treat the symptoms and accelerate the healing process. Read on to understand the symptoms of a bruised collarbone and the most effective treatments to cope with them.
What is a Bruised Collarbone? Understanding the Symptoms
A bruised collarbone often results from a fall or a big impact on the shoulder area. While it can cause discomfort, it may also limit your mobility to a great extent. Here are some symptoms you may experience if you have suffered a bruised collarbone.
Pain and Tenderness
You’ll likely feel soreness around the collarbone, particularly when you touch the area or move your arm. The intensity can range from a dull ache to sharp and shooting pain.
Swelling and Bruising
You may notice swelling and discoloration in the affected area. Bruising may appear in shades of purple or blue, indicating that blood has pooled under the skin.
Limited Range of Motion
In some cases, it becomes difficult to lift an arm or reach overhead. Movements that involve the shoulder blade can become painful and restricted.
Discomfort with Movement
Even normal activities like lifting things or rotating your shoulder might cause increased pain that worsens as you continue doing the activity. Such symptoms signal that something is not quite right with the collarbone, and there might be a risk of fracture.
Being aware of these symptoms can help you determine if you’re dealing with a bruised collarbone. If you experience severe pain, noticeable deformity, or trouble breathing, contact Alliance Orthopedics for professional care.
Fact: A bruised collarbone is among the common sports injuries that often affect young children, especially during playful activities and sports.
Effective Bruised Collarbone Treatments for Lasting Relief
The treatment for a bruised collarbone and clavicle fracture varies depending on the severity of the injury. Here are the following treatments:
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy has long been the gold standard when it comes to treating bruised collarbone. The treatment plays a vital role in faster recovery. During the process, a physical therapist will work with you to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion in your shoulder.
Depending on the severity of the joint injuries, the exercises are tailored to your needs and help ensure a safe return to your normal activities.
Surgery
If the damage is severe and cannot be healed with physical therapy, you’d need to undergo surgery. The surgery for correcting a collarbone fracture is a minimally invasive procedure that helps realign the bones and stabilize the area.
With proper surgery, you can relieve pain and get freedom from the most severe symptoms of a bruised collarbone.
Pain Management
If you are struggling with severe pain but joint surgery is not required, it’s important to focus on effective management strategies to aid your recovery. Healthcare professionals may recommend applying ice to the affected area, as this can help decrease swelling and alleviate discomfort.
If you have a bruised collarbone, do not self-diagnose the condition and seek professional help. The pain and other symptoms will only worsen overnight, so get it treated at the earliest opportunity.
Contact a reliable healthcare provider to diagnose thoracic outlet syndrome and other similar conditions.
👉 Also Read: How to Choose the Right Orthopedic Surgeon For You
When to Seek Medical Attention
While you may find a lot of articles and videos on how to manage a bruised collarbone at home, there are specific situations where seeking medical attention is crucial. If you experience any of the following, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare expert:
Severe Pain
If your pain is intense and not improving with anti-inflammatory medications or rest, it could indicate a more serious joint injury that requires further evaluation.
Visible Deformity
If you notice a visible bump or deformity around your collarbone, it may suggest a fracture or dislocation. This warrants immediate medical attention.
Swelling That Doesn’t Improve
If swelling persists or worsens despite ice and rest, it may be a sign of complications that need to be addressed.
Signs of Bone Infection
If the area around your collarbone becomes increasingly red, warm, or swollen, or if you develop a fever, these may be signs of infection, and you should seek medical advice.
Difficulty Breathing
If you experience shortness of breath or chest pain, it’s important to seek help right away, as these symptoms could indicate a more serious condition.
Recognizing when to seek medical attention can ensure that you receive the appropriate care and treatment. It helps you recover more effectively and you can get back to your everyday life.
The Complications of Not Treating a Bruised Collarbone
If you neglect proper treatment and overlook the symptoms, there are various complications that you may experience. These include:
- Serious bone health issues can potentially result in malunion or nonunion of the affected bone.
- An untreated or poorly managed collarbone injury can leave the area more susceptible to future injuries such as problems related to the nerves and blood vessels.
- Prolonged immobilization or lack of rehabilitation may lead to muscle atrophy around the shoulder blade and upper back.
- Without appropriate care, the initial pain in the shoulder muscles may persist and develop into chronic discomfort that can impact your life.
Get Effective Treatment for a Bruised Collarbone at Alliance Orthopedics
If a bruised or broken collarbone (clavicle fractures) has become a source of chronic pain and discomfort, you should treat it immediately. At Alliance Orthopedics, we offer comprehensive care for bruised collarbone and similar conditions.
Whether you need physical therapy to address sudden collarbone pain or other non-surgical treatments, we provide everything you need. Our professional and compassionate staff understands your needs and provides the top care you deserve.
Our goal is to ensure your bone heals properly and you can return to your daily activities as quickly and safely as possible. Schedule an appointment for a physical examination using imaging tests, and get a personalized treatment plan after discussing your medical history.