Broken Collarbone Treatment

Self-Care at Home

• If someone has been in an automobile accident or suffered a similar force, and you suspect a broken collarbone, be cautious and do not move the person. There may be other injuries. Wait for appropriately trained emergency medical services personnel to arrive.
  
  
• If it is clear that only a broken collarbone is involved, the most important treatment is to relieve pain.
  
  
  • To this end, the arm should be moved as little as possible. An ice pack wrapped in a towel should be applied directly to the broken collarbone. Aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are effective over-the-counter pain relievers.
    
    
  • A homemade sling can be formed from a large handkerchief, or towel, or from the triangle bandage found in your home first aid kit. Simply fold the handkerchief, or towel, in half to form a triangle. Then fold the triangle around the forearm with one pointy end toward the elbow and the other 2 tied around the neck. The elbow should be bent and supported across the chest.