What is the best treatment for broken ribs?

What’s the Treatment?

• Take a break from sports to allow yourself to heal without hurting yourself again.
• Put ice on the area to relieve pain.
• Take pain medicine like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• Take deep breaths to avoid pneumonia.
• Don’t wrap anything tightly around your ribs while they’re healing.

What can be done medically for a broken rib?

If a person has more than one fractured rib, severe damage, or flail chest, they may need surgery. During the operation, a surgeon will use plates and screws to fasten the broken ribs together. Surgery will also repair any damage to internal organs, nerves, or blood vessels.

Should you go to the hospital if your ribs are broken?

Rib fractures can cause other significant injuries to internal organs (lungs, liver, spleen). You should seek immediate medical attention if you have any of these symptoms: Moderate to severe pain. Difficulty breathing or feeling short of breath.

What’s the best way to treat a broken rib?

Taking ibuprofen or paracetamol pain relievers regularly. Using an ice pack to reduce the pain and swelling around your chest. Resting when needed, which means taking time off work if your job involves physical labor. Staying mobile when not resting, which can help your breathing and clear mucus from your lungs.

What happens if you break the bottom of your rib?

The bottom two ribs rarely fracture because they have more flexibility than do the upper and middle ribs, which are anchored to the breastbone. But if you break a lower rib, the broken ends can cause serious damage to your spleen, liver or a kidney. The following measures may help you prevent a broken rib: Protect yourself from athletic injuries.

What’s the best over the counter medicine for a rib fracture?

The commonly available over-the-counter pain medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin. These help lessen the pain and inflammation caused by a rib fracture. NSAIDs can keep you comfortable and help you return to the daily activities quickly.

Why does it take so long for rib fractures to heal?

Depending on the health status of the patient, the healing time varies from one patient to another. Factors that affect the healing time include: Age: In young patients, rib fractures heal much faster as compared to older patients. Nutrition: Adequate nutrition helps the rib fractures heal more quickly.