Introduction
Contusion of the ribs (rib contusion) is caused by the application of blunt force, for example, by a blow or fall. There is no fracture here. Only the connective tissue surrounding the ribs, muscles, nerves and periosteum can be damaged or irritated.
Often such an accident in sports is caused by a kick, blow or fall, for example in martial arts, handball or soccer. Horseback riding, skiing or mountain biking also increase the risk of falling and thus the risk of a rib bruise. In the case of a rib contusion, strong pain at the site of the violent impact is typical, which is also triggered or intensified by touching the area.
Coughing and sneezing can increase the pain. Sometimes the pain can radiate into surrounding areas. The pain is also usually made worse when the upper body is rotated.
Small blood vessels are affected by the trauma. In addition to a reddening of the skin, this is also indicated by the possible formation of a bruise (haematoma). Initially, however, hardly anything is visible externally, as swelling or bruising only develops later.
Often the pain is so severe and worsens with deep inhalation, so that those affected often only breathe very shallowly. In order to still pump enough air into the airways, breathing becomes faster. This can lead to a feeling of breathlessness in the patient. The pain is particularly severe in the first three days. It is often difficult to find sleep at all.
Pain in the back
As a result of the rib contusion, pain can also occur in the back, especially between the shoulder blades, as well as in the area of the sternum. These are caused by tension. Due to the pain of the rib contusion, patients adopt a relieving posture and thus try to “avoid” the pain.
However, this changed posture in turn leads to muscle tension. A visit to a physiotherapist usually helps here. Furthermore, the application of heat packs promotes muscle relaxation.
