How do fractured ribs feel

Just make sure you wrap it in a thin towel first. Very serious rib fractures, such as those that make breathing difficult, may require surgery. In some cases, this may involve using plates and screws to stabilize the ribs while they heal. It takes about six weeks for broken ribs to heal on their own. During this time, you should avoid activities that could further injure your ribs.

That means sports and heavy lifting are off the table. During healing, however, it is important to walk around and move your shoulders occasionally to prevent mucus from building up in your lungs. Though it may hurt, cough if you need to in order to clear your lungs. Holding a pillow against your chest when you cough may ease the pain somewhat. Depending on which rib breaks and the severity of the injury, your heart and lungs may be at risk.

A serious break in one of the three top ribs could damage the aorta, the large artery that emerges from the top of the heart and delivers blood to much of your body. Other blood vessels in or near the heart may also be at risk. Another potential complication of a broken rib is a punctured lung. A break in one of the middle ribs that causes a jagged bone edge to penetrate the lung could potentially cause the lung to collapse.

A break in one of the lower ribs can cut or puncture the liver, kidney, or spleen if the break is dramatic. These types of complications are more common if you have multiple broken ribs.

Imaging tests, such as an MRI, can usually reveal injury to one of your internal organs or blood vessels. Also try to include as much detail as possible when describing the incident that caused the break. Most broken ribs resolve within six weeks. Bruised ribs can make it painful to breathe and move and may affect lung health. Here are 30 possible causes for this symptom. Feeling pain under you left ribs?

Here's what could be causing it and when you should seek emergency treatment. A stress fracture is a tiny crack in a bone, also called a hairline fracture. This fracture of the shin is a serious injury that can worsen without…. If you have a broken hand, a doctor is the best person to diagnose and treat it. The muscles used for breathing pull on the ribs, so breathing may be very painful when you have a fractured rib.

It is important to see a doctor after a rib injury. A blow that is hard enough to fracture a rib could also injure your lungs, spleen, blood vessels, or other parts of your body. A common injury when you have a fractured rib is a punctured or collapsed lung pneumothorax. Flail chest is a serious problem that happens when three or more ribs are broken in more than one place.

If you have flail chest, the broken area can't hold its shape when you take a breath. This leaves less space in your chest for your lungs to open and air to flow in. It also makes it harder for the muscles to work well, so it's harder to take a breath. You may need to have an X-ray or other imaging test if your doctor isn't sure about your symptoms. But rib fractures don't always show up on X-rays. So you may be treated as though you have a fractured rib even if an X-ray doesn't show any broken bones.

Most fractured ribs are treated at home and will heal on their own over time. Home treatment will help you manage the pain while you heal. Pain relief can help you feel better and let you take deeper breaths. A fractured rib usually takes at least 6 weeks to heal.

To help manage the pain while the fracture heals:. While you are healing, it is important to cough or take the deepest breath you can at least once an hour.

This may help prevent pneumonia or a partial collapse of the lung tissue. If you have fractured your ribs and you have not injured your neck or back, it is a good idea to lie on your injured side. This may seem odd at first, but it will let you take deeper breaths. In the past, it was common to tape or tightly wrap the injured rib area.

But you should not do this, even if it eases your pain. It can keep you from taking deep breaths, and it could cause parts of your lung to collapse or could increase your risk for pneumonia. Blahd Jr. Gabica MD - Family Medicine. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: William H. Broken or bruised ribs are usually caused by a fall, a blow to the chest or severe coughing.

Ribs cannot be easily splinted or supported like other bones, so they're usually left to heal naturally. Broken or bruised ribs heal in the same way and usually get better by themselves within 3 to 6 weeks. You might need stronger painkillers or have a chest infection that needs antibiotics. They can arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor if you need one. Go to