Did i break something?

ok i was at work (lifeguard) and i slipped and fell down, i put my right arm out infront of me to break my fall. Straight away i felt pain in my shoulder and collerbone, iv dislocated my shoulder before and think i may have done it again as it looks out of place like before, and i can feel a lump on my collerbone when i run my finger over it also looking bent out wrong. Also i have felt pain in my wrist where the wrist bends at the base of my thumb, its really painfull and is getting worse.

Any help please??

[geminigirl1963]

You most definitely need to get at least some x-rays to rule out any fractures and/or dislocations.  If you cant' get an appointment with your doctor for a referrral for the x-rays, I would suggest going to the ER.  Another thing you need to worry about with a fall like that with the arm outstreached is a possibility of a rotator cuff tear.

Best of luck!

[jdesouza]

Hi,
Sounds like you need to go to the hospital right away. If the bump on your collarbone is hard then it could be a broken bone and if it is soft then it could be that you tore some soft tissue. The pain in your thumb could be a sprain and the fact that it is getting worse depends on when the injury occurred. If  it happened recently then you should be icing, resting, and taking an anti-inflammatory to help control the swelling. Once the swelling is under control it shouldn't get worse unless you are still using it.
Hope you get better soon.

[geminigirl1963]

Also keep in mind that a regular x-ray won't show soft tissue damage, such as a rotator cuff tear - you would more than likely need an MRI or even an MRI arthrogram (where they inject dye into the joint and it can also show tears/leakages).  So, if you get a regular x-ray and it is "all clear", yet you are still having problems, I would suggest requesting one of these other tests.  Meanwhile, like jdesouza said, use the RICE formula - rest, ice, compression and elevation - as well as an anti-inflammatory if you are allowed to take them.

Best of luck - I've been through a lot with my own shoulder, so I can feel your pain so to speak - it's no fun!

[loz6043]

thanks, i went to a&e and got x-rays, i have broken a little bone in my wrist, my collerbone and dislocated my shoulder. there gunna send me for an mri to see what other damage iv done to my shoulder.

thanks for your comments

xx

[geminigirl1963]

OUCH!  Sorry to hear that.  I hope you're feeling better soon!  Take it easy for a while!

[loz6043]

yes thanks to the both of you for your comments and suggestions

xxx