Pain with a bruised rib

introduction

The Bruised ribs (Rib contusion) is created by the action of blunt violence for example by one Blow or fall. It lays here no Broken bone in front. Just that Ribs surrounding connective tissue, Muscles, annoy and Periosteum can be damaged or irritated.
Such an accident often happens in the Sports through a Kick, Blow or Fall for example at Martial arts, Handball or Soccer. Also through horse riding, To ski or Mountain biking the risk of falling and thus the risk of bruising the ribs increases.

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Type of pain from a bruised rib

In the case of bruised ribs, severe pain is typical at the site of the violence, which is also triggered or intensified by touching the area. Coughing and sneezing can make the pain worse.
Part of the pain can radiate into surrounding areas. Rotating the upper body also usually makes the pain worse. Small blood vessels are affected by the trauma. In addition to reddening of the skin, this is also due to the possible formation of a bruise (Hematoma) recognizable.

At first, however, there is hardly anything to be seen from the outside, since swelling or bruising only develops later. Often the pain is so severe and worsens when you breathe deeply, so that people often breathe very shallowly. In order to still pump enough air into the airways, breathing becomes faster. This can lead to a feeling of shortness of breath in the patient. The pain is very great, especially in the first three days. It is often difficult to find sleep at all.

You might also be interested in: Pain between the ribs

Back pain

As a result of the bruised ribs can also pain in the back, especially between the Shoulder blades, as well as in the area of ​​the Sternum occur. These are due to tension. Due to the pain of the bruised ribs, patients take one Relieving posture and try the pain like thisto evade". However, this changed attitude in turn leads to Muscle tension. A walk to the Physiotherapists usually helps here. Further promotes the Application of heat packs a relaxation of the muscles.

therapy

Please also read: Bruised rib treatment

The therapy of a bruise in the rib is ongoing conservative. In medicine, this means treatment through Medication and / or physical measures such as physical therapy.

Relief from the pain of a bruised rib

Initially it helps against the pain and swelling cooling the affected area, timely cooling can also improve the further course. In addition, ordinary pain relievers like Ibuprofen or Diclofenac administered.
Since with prolonged use of NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as Ibuprofen the protective layer of the Stomach attacked should also be a Stomach protection be prescribed.
The effect of the often recommended gels or creams containing painkillers are controversial. It is questionable whether the pain reliever even reaches the site of action through the skin barrier or whether the dose is high enough to reach it. Often that just helps Cooling effect of the gel or even the feeling of having done something about the pain by applying it.

A packet of ice cream wrapped in a towel is just in the first hours and days effectively. No way the ice should be right on top of that skin otherwise it will be too Cold burns that are very painful.
Cooling breaks from one half an hour between uses should be adhered to. Cool, damp towels also help.
In the first few days is from one Not to use heat. In the later process, however, heat can Muscle tension to solve. Also massages from trained physiotherapists contribute to the improvement.

Physical conservation

Even if you get by Ice sheets and Painkiller feels better, you should Sport or other vigorous exercise for the next weeks avoid, as this causes a worse and longer course of the disease. Physical rest is the most important thing while the pain persists. That too Carrying heavy objects or people should be refrained from. It should be discussed with the doctor when is the right time to exercise.

Correct breathing

At first, it is difficult to get a normal depth due to the pain breathing to maintain. But this is particularly important, since breathing too shallowly causes the lung is insufficiently ventilated, resulting in a lung infection can lead. For this reason, one now refrains from bandages that restrict the lungs in the case of bruised ribs.

So in this context it makes sense Pain medication to take both to relieve the pain and thereby help enough deep breathing to enable.It does not make sense to do without pain medication, as the risk of contracting pneumonia increases by breathing freely.
Is it a particularly severe bruise in the ribs does it make sense one Physiotherapists use that helps with the correct breathing technique.

Pain relief while lying down

There one Bruised ribs through the pain frequently Difficulty sleeping it is advisable not to use the bruised side to sleep. By one or more large pillows the situation can be supported so that you don't accidentally lie down on the painful side even at night.

Duration of a bruised rib

Depending on Strength of violence the course and duration of the pain are very different. The cure one Bruised ribs just runs slowly. The average is Duration of a bruised rib three to four weeks. But also courses of 10 or more weeks are described.
The duration is extended if several Ribs are affected or the force was very strong. Also has a early on in exercise or any other type of exercise negative impacts.