A bruised rib is caused by an external force, such as a bump or fall. This often happens during sports or even in traffic accidents. The impact causes soft tissue to be bruised. The small blood vessels of the periosteum surrounding the ribs and of the subcutaneous fatty tissue are injured, so that small hemorrhages may occur. Irritated nerve fibers send the information “pain” to the brain. Usually two or more ribs are affected at once.
What are the symptoms of a rib contusion?
A rib contusion causes severe pain at the injured site, which may worsen over a few days. They intensify especially with deep breathing and coughing, as the ribs expand when you take a breath. The pain when breathing can restrict breathing to the point that shortness of breath occurs. It is important to remain calm despite the discomfort and see a doctor promptly to have a rib fracture ruled out.
External signs of bruised ribs
The only external sign of a bruised rib is a bruise mark: an initially red, later bluish-purple mark caused by the bruise. The bruised area may also swell. Depending on the severity of the bruise, the symptoms usually disappear on their own after a period of two to three weeks. The bruise is broken down by the body’s own substances and the pain goes away. In the case of severe bruising, up to eight weeks may also pass.
What to do if you have a bruised rib?
First of all, it is important to know that a rib bruise is harmless and, in principle, will heal on its own without therapy. However, there are ways to speed up the healing process. Immediately after the injury, you should take it easy and especially avoid contact sports such as soccer or martial arts. It is important to cool the bruised ribs immediately, for example with cooling packs or cooling sports gel. Thanks to the cold, the pain is relieved and also counteracts greater swelling.
Exclude rib fracture
Distinguishing a bruised rib from a broken rib is not easy. Often, the bruise causes even more pain than a rib fracture and lasts longer than a fracture. Therefore, it is advisable to see a doctor. He or she will examine and palpate the area and probably take a chest x-ray. This is the safest way to rule out a rib fracture.
First measure: stop the pain
If it is certain that you have a rib contusion, the first priority is to stop the pain. Consult your doctor for advice on which pain medication is right for you. It is especially important to make sure you are breathing normally, which can be difficult due to the pain. In fact, if you restrict your breathing, pneumonia can result. In severe cases, physiotherapy can be supportive, during which one learns the correct breathing technique.
After a rib contusion – this is how it goes on
Since pain is often more severe when the ribs are under pressure, try not to sleep on the bruised side. A large pillow can help keep the position from changing while sleeping. Sports and major physical activities should be avoided while pain is still present. The course varies greatly from individual to individual, and one should discuss with one’s attending physician when one may resume full weight bearing.
6 Tips for bruised rib
These tips will help with a bruised rib:
- Take a break and rest: neither heavy physical exertion nor sports until the pain has disappeared
- Cooling immediately after the injury
- Take painkillers
- See a doctor and have rib fracture ruled out
- Breathe normally to prevent pneumonia.
- Not sleep on the bruised side
What do we need our ribs for?
The twelve paired ribs are part of the rib cage and protect the vital thoracic organs of the heart, esophagus, trachea and lungs by forming a bony, arched cage together with the sternum. The ribs cushion a blow to the ribs or a fall on the chest. Due to their cartilaginous bond with the sternum, they have elastic properties and therefore rarely break. However, if the force is very large, a rib fracture can occur.
