About your visit
We have examined you and have ascertained that you have a broken collar bone. Your arm is now in a sling that you will have to wear for 2-3 weeks. It usually takes 3-6 weeks for the fracture to heal completely. There will be a bump where your collar bone is broken. The bump will get smaller over time.
When you get home
You may be in pain
It is normal to feel pain in the area around your broken collar bone. You may also experience creaking and grating sensations when moving your arm. These sensations will go away with time. At night, you can try to ease the pain by placing pillows under your shoulder on the side of the fracture. This will elevate your shoulder, so it is at a higher level than the rest of your body.
Call you general practitioner if the pain continues for more than eight weeks, or if after 3-4 weeks, in addition to the pain, you still find it difficult to move your arm. You can expect it to take a couple of months before you can move your arm as you did before.
Take pain-relieving medicine if you are in pain
You should take pain-relieving medicine if you are in pain. Pain-relieving medicine can be bought over the counter. Take only the amount of pain reliever recommended on the package. Contact your general practitioner if you need help managing the pain.
Remove the sling when you go to bed and when washing
You can take the sling off at night and instead support your arm using a pillow. Remove the sling when you take a shower or bath. When undressing, it is a good idea to do the uninjured arm first. When dressing, it is better to do the injured arm first.
Move your fingers and forearm
The sling is meant to keep your arm immobile so the fracture can heal. However, you should move your fingers many times a day while wearing the sling.
It is important to exercise your arm
Pain is normal. Exercise at a moderate pace, and do not continue an exercise if you have to force a movement or if you feel acute pain. Plan your exercises around times when your pain relievers are in full effect.
Do exercises one and two below twice a day. Repeat each exercise five to ten times.
After 14 days, do exercises three to five below at least four times a day. Preferably more. Repeat each exercise ten to fifteen times.
Exercise 1
Slightly bend your upper body over a table or chair and support yourself with your healthy arm.
- Let your other arm hang naturally down the side of your body.
- Dangle your injured arm backwards and forwards, in front of you and in circles.
Exercise 5
Hold a broom with both hands while standing. Let your arms hang down and hold the broom horizontally.
- Use your arms to swing the broom from side to side.
Check-ups
We will determine whether you need to come to the hospital for a check-up or whether you should visit your general practitioner. If you need to visit the hospital for a check-up, we will notify you via digital or physical post, or we will call you with information regarding time and place. If you need to visit your general practitioner, you will have to contact the clinic yourself and schedule an appointment.
If your condition deteriorates before your check-up, do not wait, but contact your general practitioner. If your condition deteriorates acutely, dial 1813 for the medical helpline.
Worth knowing