According to research, cracked ribs may heal on their own in 1 to 2 months, but broken ribs with a jagged edge usually require immediate medical treatment.A broken rib is usually caused by a blow to the chest or torso after an accident, fall, or hard hit.It is possible to manage a rib injury at home with rest, ice, and over-the-counter painkillers.To make sure your injury doesn't need medical treatment, visit your doctor.
Step 1: The emergency room is a good place to go for treatment.
If you've experienced trauma to your chest or torso that's causing significant pain, particularly during deep breathing, then you may have broken a rib or two.It's important you get medical attention because this can be associated with more severe injury.Sometimes a "crack" is heard or felt when a rib breaks, but not always, especially if it occurs where the cartilaginous end-point of the rib is attached to the breast bone.If you have a rib injury, it's important to seek medical treatment because the risk of injury to your lungs is much greater.The doctor will make recommendations based on the type of rib injury.If you have a rib injury, your doctor may use x-rays, scans, and diagnostic tests to better understand it.If your pain is severe, your doctor will likely give you a prescription for strong painkillers or anti-inflammatories, or recommend the use of over-the-counter varieties at home.A collapsed lung is a potentially fatal consequence of a badly broken rib.A broken rib can cause pneumonia.
Step 2: Talk to your doctor about the injection.
If the broken rib is stable but causing you moderate-to-severe pain, your doctor may suggest an injection of steroidal medication.A corticosteroid injection near the injury can quickly reduce inflammation and pain, allow for easier breathing, and increase upper body mobility.Infections, bleeding, local muscle atrophy, nerve damage and weakened immunity are possible consequences of corticosteroid injections.An intercostal nerve block is a type of injection.The medication stops the sensation of pain for about six hours.Most people with broken ribs don't need surgery, they heal on their own with conservative care at home.
Step 3: Do not put your ribs in a bag.
The use of compression wraps has fallen out of favor due to the increased risks of lung infections.Don't try to bandage your ribs.
Step 4: Ice is put over a broken rib.
If you have a rib injury, apply an ice pack, frozen gel pack or bag of peas from the freezer for 20 minutes every hour for the first two days, then reduce it to 10 minutes three times daily to reduce pain and swelling.Ice causes blood vessels to dilate, which reduces inflammation, and it numbs the surrounding nerves.Cold therapy can be used for all types of broken ribs.Wrap the ice pack in a thin cloth before applying to the injured area to reduce the risk of ice burn.In addition to the sharp pain with breathing, you're also likely to have some redness to your skin, which may be caused by damaged internal blood vessels.
Step 5: Take your medication over the counter.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, such as aspirin or naproxen, can be used over the counter to help combat the pain and inflammation related to your broken rib.If your profession is sedentary, NSAID's can provide comfort and allow you to do basic activities of daily living, even return to work after a few weeks.Don't use them on a daily basis for more than two weeks because they can be hard on your internal organs.Follow the package directions.aspirin is associated with Reye's syndrome and should not be taken by children younger than 18 years old.As an alternative, you can take over-the-counter painkillers, but they don't impact inflammation and are harder on the liver.
Step 6: Don't move your torso.
Light exercise is a good idea for most injuries because it stimulates blood flow and heals.For the first few weeks, avoid Cardio exercises that increase your heart and breathing rates because they can irritate and inflame your broken rib.While your rib is healing, minimize the amount of rotation.Walking, driving and computer work should be fine, but avoid most strenuous household chores, jogging, lifting weights and playing sports until you can take a deep breath and not feel any pain.If your job requires physical labor or a lot of movements, take a week or two off work.While you recover, ask your family and friends for help around the house and yard.Check with your doctor if you should drive.If you break your ribs, you'll inevitably need to cough or sneeze, so it's a good idea to hold a soft pillow against your chest to cushion the blow.
Step 7: Take your sleeping position into account.
If you sleep on your stomach, sides or roll around frequently, you're more likely to have broken ribs in the night.The best sleeping position for your broken rib is on your back, because it puts the least amount of pressure on them.It is possible to sleep more upright in a reclining chair for the first few nights until some of the inflammation and pain are gone.There are cushions behind your back and head that you can use to prop yourself up in bed.Don't neglect your low back if you need to sleep in more of an upright position.Lower back pain can be prevented if you place a pillow underneath your knees.If you want to avoid rolling onto your sides during the night, place a body pillow on either side of you.
Step 8: Take supplements.
A balanced diet rich in minerals and vitamins is a great way to heal broken bones.Don't forget to eat fresh produce, whole grains, lean meats, dairy products and lots of water.Adding vitamins and minerals to your diet can help accelerate the healing of your broken rib.Alcohol, soda pop, fast food and refined sugars can be harmful to bone healing.Smoking slows the healing of broken bones.