Can you bruise a bone in your rib?

A bruised rib is an injury to the bone that doesn’t cause a break in the bone. It’s like a bruise, except you can’t see it because it’s on the bone (though you might also have a skin bruise in the same area). Rib bruises tend to happen with lower-impact injuries, such as a fall.

What happens if you leave a bruised rib untreated?

When untreated, rib fractures will lead to serious short-term consequences such as severe pain when breathing, pneumonia and, rarely, death. Long-term consequences include chest wall deformity, chronic pain and decreased lung function.

Can a bruised rib heal on its own?

In most cases, a bruised rib will heal on its own. You can take pain medicine while the rib mends. Pain relief allows you to take deep breaths. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety.

Is a heating pad good for bruised ribs?

Put ice or a cold pack on the area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin. After 2 or 3 days, if your swelling is gone, put a heating pad set on low or a warm cloth on your chest. Some doctors suggest that you go back and forth between hot and cold.

What is the recovery time for a bruised rib?

Bruised ribs usually heal within a month or so, but that process can take longer if one or more ribs are actually broken instead of bruised. If you’re initially diagnosed with bruised ribs but the pain isn’t easing after a couple of weeks, tell your doctor. More imaging or another evaluation may be necessary.

How can you tell if you have bruised ribs or broken ribs?

strong pain in your chest area,particularly when you breathe in

How to relieve the pain of bruised ribs?

Resting and restricting your activities are the main treatment options for bruised ribs. Ice may help relieve some of your pain and swelling. Since bruised ribs cause pain when you inhale — causing you to take more shallow breaths — your doctor may prescribe medication to help manage your pain.

How long do bruised ribs take to heal?

Bruised ribs are often painful, but over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs can help. The bruising may take several weeks to heal. If symptoms have not improved within a few weeks, contact the doctor, who may request further testing. A bruised or broken rib can sometimes affect lung health.