What is Clavicle Muscle Attachments Inflammation?
The collarbone, medically known as the human clavicle, is a short bone that connects the arms to the trunk. One can easily feel it by placing their hand on the area of the skin, which is right above the first rib. The clavicle can be easily seen in thin people.
The human clavicle is a resilient and strong bone that takes the weight of the upper limb, while remaining firmly in its position to give stability to the muscles as well as the ligaments attached to it.
Board certified orthopedic surgeons at Thomas & Bigler Knee and Shoulder Institute provide treatments for clavicle muscle attachments inflammation to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, and surrounding communities.
Swollen Clavicle
Any type of enlargement near the collarbone or fluid accumulation can lead to a swollen clavicle. In certain cases, the swelling is not related to the collarbone but rather a soft tissue injury that commonly impacts the muscles and subcutaneous tissue, which further leads to swelling over the collarbone.
The swelling could be due to any of the muscles that attach the collarbone or the platysma muscle, an area right over the clavicle. Clavicle swelling is also referred to as bony swelling and is more noticeable with a fracture.
Causes of Swollen Clavicle
Any of the following reasons can cause a swollen clavicle:
- Injury: A bone injury or a trauma in the surrounding tissue can lead to a swollen clavicle.
- Bone disorders: Certain bone growth disorders like Paget’s disease can lead to a swollen collarbone.
- Infection: A clavicle infection can lead to pain and swelling in the surrounding tissue; however, the chances of this occurring are rare.
- Vitamin D deficiency: Inadequate intake of vitamin D can decrease the amount of calcium the body gets, which can also result in bone deformation and a swollen clavicle.
- Arthritis and osteoarthritis: These afflictions can produce a wear and tear effect on joints, resulting in a swollen collarbone.
- Joint problems: An inflammation of the joints surrounding the collarbone can also lead to a swelling of the clavicle.
Treatment for Swollen Clavicle
One should treat a swollen clavicle according to the underlying cause. For instance, a swollen clavicle caused by fracture or injury should be treated by keeping the arms immobile with the help of a sling.
If arthritis is the cause of a swollen clavicle, then the most common treatments are rest and taking pain medication. However, one might also need physiotherapy or surgery depending on the seriousness of the condition.
In case of infection-related swollen clavicle, it is necessary to treat the underlying infection to address the swollen lymph nodes.
Patients should consult with an orthopedic surgeon immediately if they notice tenderness, redness, or pain associated with the swelling. A swollen clavicle can quickly return back to its normal state with adequate diagnosis and treatment.
Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada, and nearby areas for clavicle muscle inflammation treatment.
If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. call (702) 933-9393; Physical Therapy (702) 933-9393.