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Hi, I’m 64 And Slid Down My 3 Last Steps

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Posted on Thu, 2 May 2019
Question: Hi, I’m 64 and slid down my 3 last steps on my deck.

I hit my shoulder bone, butt check bone & my tailbone.

It’s been a week & my tailbone is still hurting especially when walking up stairs. I have naproxen 500MG. Should I take that? About how long does it take to heal? Should I get a

X-ray?

Thank you in advance for your help.

Linda
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ornela Ademovi (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Long healing time

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I understand your concern.

Usually, a tailbone injury takes a long time to heal, depending on the type of injury. If it is only a bruise it may take 4 or more weeks, but a fracture may take from 8 to 12 weeks to heal.

An X-ray would be able to tell the difference if there is a fracture or a bruise. Except for the difference in healing time, the treatment for tailbone injury is the same.

Pain killers such as Tylenol and Advil (you may take Naproxen too), applying ice on the tailbone (which decreases swelling and inflammation), using a donut cushion when sitting, sleeping on a firm mattress with a cushion between the knees can greatly help with main management and faster healing.

I hope this answers your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ornela Ademovi (43 minutes later)
Thank you,
You answered all my questions.
Sounds like a long healing time but I guess there’s nothing but time to heal.
Again thanks,
Linda
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ornela Ademovi (52 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Glad to have been of help

Detailed Answer:

Most welcome
Take care

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ornela Ademovi

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 725 Questions

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Hi, I’m 64 And Slid Down My 3 Last Steps

Brief Answer: Long healing time Detailed Answer: Hello, I understand your concern. Usually, a tailbone injury takes a long time to heal, depending on the type of injury. If it is only a bruise it may take 4 or more weeks, but a fracture may take from 8 to 12 weeks to heal. An X-ray would be able to tell the difference if there is a fracture or a bruise. Except for the difference in healing time, the treatment for tailbone injury is the same. Pain killers such as Tylenol and Advil (you may take Naproxen too), applying ice on the tailbone (which decreases swelling and inflammation), using a donut cushion when sitting, sleeping on a firm mattress with a cushion between the knees can greatly help with main management and faster healing. I hope this answers your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care.