Diagnosis
In the case of a rib bruise, the treatment is primarily based on alleviating the symptoms. Pain can be relieved by temporarily cooling the affected area. However, a thin towel should always be placed between the skin and the coolant and should not be cooled continuously to avoid freezing the skin.
In addition, physical protection should be observed and sports should be avoided as long as the rib bruising causes symptoms. However, bed rest should not be taken either, but gentle exercise should be carried out, for example by walking. If necessary, your family doctor can give you advice on the right amount of exercise.
If a rib bruise occurs, temporary therapy with an anti-inflammatory painkiller in the form of tablets may also be indicated. This is particularly important if the pain caused by the rib contusion prevents the patient from breathing. Otherwise, the resulting respiratory protection can lead to the development of pneumonia, especially in older people.
Duration
The length of time for which a rib contusion causes discomfort can vary greatly and depends primarily on the type and intensity of the triggering injury. In the case of mild forms, for example, if you bump into an edge or piece of furniture in everyday life, the duration is usually limited to a few days. If, however, a traffic accident or a violent collision during sports was the cause, the pain due to rib bruising can last for many weeks and months.
The duration also depends partly on the behaviour of the person affected. People who take it easy on their bodies and occasionally cool the affected area will be less likely to suffer for a longer period of time than people who continue to do sports with a high level of physical exertion. However, even if it is present for a long time, a rib contusion usually heals without any long-term physical complaints.
These alternative diseases cause comparable symptoms
The alternative disorder that must be distinguished primarily in the case of a rib contusion is the fracture of one or more ribs. Both the cause of the injury and the symptoms perceived do not allow a reliable distinction to be made. As a rule, certainty can only be obtained through a medical examination, which may also include an X-ray of the ribs.
Another disease that manifests itself through chest pain, especially when breathing in and coughing, is pleurisy. This can be accompanied by pneumonia, for example, and is usually accompanied by high fever and fatigue. Other alternative illnesses that cause similar symptoms to a bruised rib can originate from the back and radiate forward. For example, irritation of a nerve due to muscular tension or incorrect movement can cause unilateral pain in the ribs.