Overview
A broken rib occurs when one of the bones in the rib cage breaks or cracks, usually due to direct impact from falls, car accidents, or contact sports. Cracked ribs are painful but typically heal on their own in about six weeks. However, broken ribs that have broken into pieces can cause more severe issues, as the sharp edge of a broken bone can harm major blood vessels or lungs and other organs. It's essential to manage pain and seek medical help if experiencing trouble breathing or pain with deep breathing, or if feeling pressure, fullness, or a squeezing pain in the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or pain that extends beyond the chest to the shoulder or arm, as these symptoms can indicate a heart attack.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
The symptoms of broken ribs include pain, tenderness in the rib area, difficulty breathing, pain with deep breathing, and discomfort or pain with a deep breath, pressure on the injured area, or a bend or a twist of the body. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to see a healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing broken ribs include direct impact from accidents or injuries, such as car accidents, falls, or contact sports, as well as osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become weak and brittle, and playing contact sports like hockey or football. Additionally, cancer in a rib can weaken the bone and increase the risk of breaking.
Development
Broken ribs can develop as a result of direct impact from accidents or injuries, such as car accidents, falls, or contact sports. Repeated impact from sports like golf and rowing, as well as prolonged coughing, can also cause broken ribs. The risk of breaking a rib increases in individuals with conditions like osteoporosis, which weakens bones, or those who engage in contact sports. Certain cancers, if present in a rib, can also weaken the bone and make it more susceptible to breaking.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
You should see a health care provider if part of your rib area is tender after an accident or if you have trouble breathing or pain with deep breathing. Additionally, seek medical help right away if you feel pressure, fullness, or a squeezing pain in the center of your chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or pain that goes beyond your chest to your shoulder or arm. These symptoms may indicate a heart attack.
Diagnosis
To diagnose broken ribs, a health care provider will typically conduct a physical exam, pressing gently on the ribs and listening to the lungs while observing the rib cage movement during breathing. One or more of the following imaging tests
Management and Treatment
Complications
Potential complications of broken ribs include tearing of the main artery of the body, known as the aorta, tear in a lung, ripped spleen, liver, or kidneys. Complications depend on which ribs break, and they can be serious. It is important to seek medical help right away if you experience pressure, fullness, or a squeezing pain in the center of your chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or pain that goes beyond your chest to your shoulder or arm, as these symptoms can indicate a heart attack.
Prevention
While some measures can help reduce the risk of broken ribs, they cannot be completely prevented. To help minimize the risk, you can:
- Wear protective equipment: When participating in contact sports or engaging in activities that have a risk of falls or impact, wear appropriate protective gear.
- Strengthen bones: Ensure you get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet for strong bones. Aim for about 1,200 milligrams of calcium and 600 international units of vitamin D daily.
- Prevent falls: Remove clutter from your living space, wipe up spills promptly, use non-slip mats in the bathroom, and keep your home well-lit to reduce the risk of falls.
- Manage osteoporosis: If you have osteoporosis, work with your healthcare provider to manage the condition and maintain strong bones. However, despite these precautions, broken ribs can still occur due to accidents or unforeseen circumstances.
Home Remedies
There are no specific home remedies suggested for broken ribs. In most cases, broken ribs require medical attention and proper treatment, as they can lead to serious complications. The best course of action is to seek medical help right away if you suspect you have a broken rib. However, for general pain relief and comfort, you can try the following:
- Rest: Avoid activities that may aggravate the pain, and give your body time to heal.
- Pain relief medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions and avoid using aspirin, as it can increase the risk of bleeding.
- Ice: Applying ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time can help reduce pain and swelling. Wrap the ice pack in a cloth to protect the skin.
- Comfortable positioning: Sleeping or resting in a position that minimizes discomfort and avoids putting pressure on the injured rib can help alleviate pain.
- Gentle breathing techniques: Practice deep, slow breathing to help alleviate pain and prevent lung complications. Remember, if you suspect you have a broken rib, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Preparing for medical consultation
To prepare for an appointment for broken ribs, it is important to:
- Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions and ask about them when scheduling the appointment.
- Write down any symptoms you are experiencing, including those that seem unrelated to the reason for the appointment.
- Note key personal information, such as recent accidents or major stresses.
- Make a list of all medications, vitamins, or supplements you are taking.
- Consider bringing a family member or friend along to help remember information provided during the appointment.
- Bring any previous scans, X-rays, and medical records relevant to the situation to the appointment. Remember to share this information with your healthcare provider during your appointment to ensure that you receive the most appropriate diagnosis and treatment.