Regrettable Decision After a Clavicle Fracture
Hello everyone, I want to share my experience of breaking my clavicle yesterday. I’m a 25-year-old male, weighing about 57 kg and standing 1.78 meters tall. I don’t have any other significant medical details to mention, but I am taking Ibuprofen and Tradonal for pain relief. Last night, I made a poor decision while under the influence of those painkillers, which dulled my sense of discomfort. I opted for a barefoot walk that lasted around two hours. It wasn’t until I was approaching the end of my stroll that I began to grasp how unwise my choice had been. Walking without shoes placed a shock on my shoulder with every step I took, likely causing the two fractured sections of my clavicle to move slightly with each stride. In three days, I’ll undergo new X-rays and based on those results, a decision regarding the necessity of surgery will be made. However, the doctor indicated that surgery is likely due to my youth and active lifestyle. I’m anxious that I may have inadvertently exacerbated my injury. Reflecting on it now, it seems incredibly foolish to have undertaken such a strenuous walk so soon after the fracture. Although I am wearing a sling, I'm aware that this might not have been the best course of action. I feel optimistic that everything will turn out okay, but from here on out, I will prioritize rest and refrain from any strenuous activities. I would appreciate insights from anyone with medical expertise on my situation.
Answers (1)
6/16/2025, 9:30:52 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are understandably concerned about your clavicle fracture and the potential impact of your recent decision to walk barefoot. It’s important to acknowledge your feelings and recognize that accidents can happen when pain relief medications dull your senses. Here’s some information and guidance to help you manage your recovery more effectively.
Main Points:
- Clavicle fractures typically heal well with appropriate care, but it's crucial to avoid activities that could worsen your injury.
- You are correct in prioritizing rest and refraining from strenuous activities while healing.
Explanation:
A clavicle fracture can lead to pain and instability in the shoulder area. The fact that you experienced a change in comfort after your walk indicates that excessive movement could potentially shift the fractured pieces, possibly complicating the healing process. It's common for doctors to recommend surgery for younger, active individuals like yourself to ensure proper healing and restore function.
Next Steps:
- Rest Your Shoulder: Continue to wear your sling as recommended, and avoid any unnecessary movements or activities that could stress the shoulder.
- Monitor Symptoms: Pay close attention to your pain levels and any changes. If you notice increased swelling, worsening pain, or numbness in your arm, take these seriously.
- Follow Medical Advice: Be sure to discuss your recent walking activity with your doctor during your follow-up appointment. Transparency will help them assess your situation accurately.
- Limit Physical Activity: Refrain from all strenuous exercises and activities until you have clarity from your X-ray results. Stick to gentle movements or stretching if permitted by your doctor.
- Pain Management: Continue taking your medications as prescribed, but be cautious about overdoing it. If you feel pain returning or changing, note this for your X-ray appointment.
It's good to see you're optimistic about your recovery. With the right care moving forward, you'll be on a path to healing. If you have more questions or need further support, feel free to reach out.
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