What happens when you fracture your collarbone? How long does recovery take? What factors can affect healing? Get all the answers to your questions about clavicle fracture recovery.

Understanding Clavicle Fractures

A clavicle (collarbone) fracture is an injury where the bone connecting the shoulder blade to the sternum is broken. This can happen due to a direct blow to the shoulder or a fall on an outstretched arm. Regardless of the cause, a clavicle fracture affects not just the bone, but also the surrounding soft tissues like muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves.

Recovery Timelines

Generally, a clavicle fracture can take 6 to 12 weeks to fully heal. However, the recovery time can vary depending on several factors. It’s normal to experience aches and discomfort beyond this initial healing period, and the affected area may remain more sensitive for several months after the injury.

Factors Influencing Recovery

Several factors can impact the healing process and recovery from a clavicle fracture:

• Smoking: Smoking negatively affects tissue healing and can even stop the fracture from healing altogether. Quitting smoking during the recovery period can help ensure the best possible outcome.
• General Health: Certain medical conditions, like diabetes, may slow down the healing process. Maintaining a healthy diet and staying active can support recovery.
• Medication: Some medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen, have been shown to delay fracture healing. Discussing any concerns with a healthcare professional is advisable.

What to Expect After a Clavicle Fracture

After a clavicle fracture, it’s common for a lump to form around the injured area as the healing process takes place. In many cases, this lump will remain even after the bone has fully healed. There’s usually no need to seek additional treatment for this, unless there is a noticeable change in the lump.

Rehabilitation and Recovery Stages

0 to 3 Weeks After Injury

In the initial weeks following the injury, the focus is on immobilizing the arm and starting some gentle exercises:

• Wear a sling during the day, except for exercises and personal hygiene
• Choose whether to wear the sling at night
• Begin exercises for the shoulder
• Avoid lifting the elbow above shoulder height as this may be painful

3 to 6 Weeks After Injury

As the healing progresses, the rehabilitation plan shifts:

• Try to avoid using the sling
• Begin normal light activities with the arm and shoulder
• Increase range of motion
• Avoid heavy lifting

6 to 12 Weeks After Injury

By this stage, the fracture should be healed, but heavy tasks may still cause some discomfort:

• Resume normal day-to-day activities, but be guided by any pain
• Start to lift the arm overhead
• Avoid contact sports until at least 12 weeks after the injury

Managing Swelling and Bruising

Swelling and bruising are common after a clavicle fracture. The swelling can sometimes last for months and may spread down the arm. To help reduce swelling, you should:

• Keep the other joints in your arm moving normally
• Find a balance between rest and activity
• Use gentle self-massage to push the fluid towards the shoulder

Bruising can be widespread and may change color as you recover. Both swelling and bruising are normal and expected after a fracture.

Managing Pain

It’s normal to experience discomfort in the areas around the fracture, including the soft tissues, nearby joints, and areas that have been immobilized. Pain can change from day to day and doesn’t always depend on what you’re doing. It’s common to have pain even at rest, and some people may also experience discomfort in the fracture site during colder weather. Your local pharmacy can provide advice on managing pain after a fracture.

Getting Back to Normal Activities

Returning to your normal activities, such as driving and work, will depend on the type of work you do and your employer. It may be possible to discuss a phased return to work or changed duties. You don’t need to see a healthcare professional to return to work, but it’s important to ensure you can safely perform any necessary tasks, such as an emergency stop while driving.

In summary, recovering from a clavicle fracture involves a rehabilitation process that typically takes 6 to 12 weeks, with some lingering aches and sensitivity for several months. Factors like smoking, general health, and medication can impact the healing timeline. Proper management of swelling, bruising, and pain is crucial, and a gradual return to normal activities is recommended. If you have any concerns or the injury doesn’t improve as expected, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.