Differential Diagnosis for Sudden Onset of Right Clavicle Pain

• Single Most Likely Diagnosis
  • Costoclavicular Syndrome or Clavicle Stress Fracture: Given the sudden onset of pain, tenderness to touch, swelling, and discomfort when lifting the arm without a history of trauma, this diagnosis is plausible. The significant pain relief from Aleve also supports an inflammatory or stress-related condition.
• Other Likely Diagnoses
  • Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae around the clavicle could cause pain, swelling, and tenderness, especially with arm movement.
  • Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons attached to the clavicle could lead to similar symptoms.
  • Referred Pain from Cervical Spine: Sometimes, pain from the cervical spine can refer to the clavicular area, though typically, there would be associated neck pain or stiffness.
• Do Not Miss Diagnoses
  • Osteomyelitis: Although rare and less likely without a clear source of infection, osteomyelitis of the clavicle could present with pain, swelling, and tenderness. It's crucial to consider this diagnosis due to its potential severity and need for prompt antibiotic treatment.
  • Metastatic Disease: In older adults or those with a history of cancer, metastatic disease to the clavicle could cause sudden onset of pain. This diagnosis is critical to rule out due to its implications for prognosis and treatment.
  • Septic Arthritis of the Sternoclavicular Joint: An infection in the sternoclavicular joint could cause severe pain, swelling, and systemic symptoms like fever. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent serious complications.
• Rare Diagnoses
  • Paget's Disease: A condition that affects bone remodeling, leading to bone pain and deformities. It's rare and typically affects older adults.
  • Ewing's Sarcoma: A rare type of bone cancer that could cause sudden onset of bone pain, though it's more common in children and young adults.
  • Relapsing Polychondritis: An autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation of cartilages, including those around the clavicle, leading to pain and swelling. It's a rare condition with a variety of systemic manifestations.