Question 1

what are the signs of a rib fracture?

Accepted Answer

Severe pain: Severe usually sharp pain of the chest wall increasing with movements, other conditions can cause that as well, so the only way to be sure is to have an x-ray of the ribs.

Question 2

what should i do if i have a rib fracture?

Accepted Answer

Be careful: Be careful, take it easy, avoid situations where you can reinjure them, and let them heal.

Question 3

what are the symptoms of a rib fracture besides pain?

Accepted Answer

Pain with breathing: 1)  pain when sneezing coughing, laughing, going to the bathroom, twisting, getting dressed,  pain with breathing. 
2)  note - many other things can mimic a rib fracgure including a heart attack (!) , herpes zoster (shingles) and GI issues so get checked out . .  The good news is that most rib fractures do not require surgery but do indeed hurt and take weeks or months to improve.

Question 4

what are the complications of an untreated rib fracture?

Accepted Answer

Heal on their own: Rib fractures are one of the types that we don't really do much for. They heal up on their own as the two fragments are usually very close to one another. They heal on their own usually within 4 to 6 weeks. Putting pressure on the fracture will be painful so most of the time people avoid that and they heal just fine.

Question 5

what are the risks of a rib fracture puncturing your kidney?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: Though the kidneys reside above the bottom of the rib cage they are surrounded by fat and tissue. Though possible i would think it would be very unlikely.

Question 6

how much does a rib fracture hurt?

Accepted Answer

It can hurt: Most rob fractures require relative rest , ice and nsaids. Significantly painful rob fractures may require stronger pain medications. Rib fractures may tale 4 to 8 weeks to heal. Your discomfort may be improved by also wearing a rib belt. Significantly displaced rib fractures will need close monitoring.

Question 7

could i have a rib fracture without being struck while surfing?

Accepted Answer

Possible: Simply falling into the water could deliver enough force to break a rib, but it would be unlikely to be a severe break.  Another possibility if the pain is on the front of the chest is that the junction between the rib and the cartilage could be disrupted or irritated, causing pain.

Question 8

how do you cure a hairline rib fracture ?

Accepted Answer

Time to heal: Take Vit D and calcium supplements and time will heal the fracture if it is non displaced and a hairline fracture. A follow up image is suggested

Question 9

could a rib fracture affect the heart?

Accepted Answer

Rarely: Most of the time no, but if in doubt, get x-ray and ECG

Question 10

multiple rib fracture headaches dizziness?

Accepted Answer

Unusual: Work up, the head symptoms.
If there is a cause for a fall to break the ribs that may be a connection other than bad luck!
ribs usually heal over 3 months or so.

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Doctor answers about:

Rib fracture signs

A member asked:

What are the signs of a rib fracture?

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What should i do if i have a rib fracture?

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What are the symptoms of a rib fracture besides pain?

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What are the complications of an untreated rib fracture?

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What are the risks of a rib fracture puncturing your kidney?

A member asked:

How much does a rib fracture hurt?

A member asked:

Could i have a rib fracture without being struck while surfing?

A member asked:

How do you cure a hairline rib fracture ?

A member asked:

Could a rib fracture affect the heart?

A member asked:

Multiple rib fracture headaches dizziness?

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