Difference between revisions of "Treat Broken Ribs"
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| − | + | Broken or fractured ribs usually occur from a direct blow to the chest or torso, like in a car accident, significant fall or hard hit while playing a contact sport.<ref name="rf18759">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/broken-ribs/basics/definition/con-20029574</ref> However, some diseases such as osteoporosis and bone cancer can severely weaken the ribs (and other bones) and cause them to break merely from coughing hard or routine twisting or lifting. Although broken ribs will generally heal on their own in one to two months if you are relatively healthy, knowing how to treat them at home will significantly reduce your discomfort. In some cases, fractured ribs puncture the lungs or damage other internal organs, which can be life-threatening and necessitates emergency medical treatment. | |
[[Category:Bone Fracture Healing and Treatment]] | [[Category:Bone Fracture Healing and Treatment]] | ||
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#*Your doctor will likely give you a prescription for strong painkillers or anti-inflammatories if your pain is severe, or recommend the use of over-the-counter varieties at home if your pain is tolerable. | #*Your doctor will likely give you a prescription for strong painkillers or anti-inflammatories if your pain is severe, or recommend the use of over-the-counter varieties at home if your pain is tolerable. | ||
#*A potentially fatal complication related to a badly broken rib is a punctured or collapsed lung (pneumothorax). A broken rib can also lead to pneumonia. | #*A potentially fatal complication related to a badly broken rib is a punctured or collapsed lung (pneumothorax). A broken rib can also lead to pneumonia. | ||
| − | #Talk to your doctor about a corticosteroid injection. If the broken rib is stable, but causing you moderate-to-severe discomfort, your doctor may suggest an injection of steroidal medication, especially if torn cartilage is involved. A corticosteroid injection near the injury can quickly reduce inflammation and pain, allow for easier breathing and increase upper body mobility.<ref name="rf5756" /> | + | #Talk to your doctor about a corticosteroid injection. If the broken rib is stable, but causing you moderate-to-severe discomfort, your doctor may suggest an injection of steroidal medication, especially if torn cartilage is involved. A corticosteroid injection near the injury can quickly reduce inflammation and pain, allow for easier breathing and increase upper body mobility.<ref name="rf5756">http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cortisone-shots/basics/definition/prc-20014455</ref> |
#*Potential complications of corticosteroid injections include infection, bleeding, local muscle / tendon atrophy, nerve damage and weakened immunity. | #*Potential complications of corticosteroid injections include infection, bleeding, local muscle / tendon atrophy, nerve damage and weakened immunity. | ||
#*Another type of injection your doctor may administer is an intercostal nerve block. The medication numbs the surrounding nerves and stops the sensation of pain for about six hours.<ref name="rf18760">http://www.drugs.com/cg/rib-fracture.html</ref> | #*Another type of injection your doctor may administer is an intercostal nerve block. The medication numbs the surrounding nerves and stops the sensation of pain for about six hours.<ref name="rf18760">http://www.drugs.com/cg/rib-fracture.html</ref> | ||
