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Carrie Margaret Allen
Q: 

How can you tell if you have a broken bone?

By August 13, 2014 - 8:59am
 
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Is it possible to have a broken bone without it hurting a lot? Specifically collarbones and ribs? I think my collarbone is broken but I haven't been to the doctor. It has been a month and it still seems to hurt. 

How long does it take for something like this to heal?

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Maryann Gromisch RN
Empowered
Guide

Hello Carrie,

Having discomfort in the area of your collarbone that lasts for a month should not be ignored and demands medical attention.

Symptoms of a broken collarbone include:

Pain that increases with shoulder movement
Swelling
Tenderness
Bruising
A bulge on or near your shoulder
A grinding or crackling sound when you try to move your shoulder
Stiffness or inability to move your shoulder

Symptoms of a fractured rib include:

Mild to severe pain in the injured area.
Pain when you breathe.
Pain around the fracture when someone pushes on your breastbone

Carrie, any delay in diagnosis and treatment of a broken collarbone can lead to poor healing. Restricting the movement of any broken bone is critical to healing. The length of time immobilization is needed depends on the severity of the injury. Union of the bone usually takes six to 12 weeks for adults.

Regards,
Maryann

August 13, 2014 - 9:47am

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