![]() ![]() That is because low temperature can cause the blood vessels to narrow, which will improve the inflammation. Use Ice PacksĪpplication of ice packs to the site of rib fracture for at least 20 minutes every hour is one of the best way to deal with a rib fracture, which can help relieve the pain and swelling. Other measures that can help speed up the healing process are listed below. During the entire period of recovery, taking enough rest, and avoiding sudden movements that may cause the ribs to displace or break again, are extremely important. Ways to Shorten Your Rib Fracture Healing TimeĪlthough the healing of rib fractures is quite slow, certain therapeutic measures can help enhance healing. Hormones: Certain hormones like thyroid hormones and growth hormone boost the healing process whereas others, like steroid hormones, hinder it.Comorbid diseases: Diseases like diabetes that lower the immunity may prolong the healing of rib fractures.Nutrition: Adequate nutrition helps the rib fractures heal more quickly. Enough protein and carbohydrates are necessary.Age: In young patients, rib fractures heal much faster as compared to older patients.Factors that affect the healing time include: Depending on the health status of the patient, the healing time varies from one patient to another. Rib fractures may take 6 weeks to 6 months to heal. Another less common cause of rib fractures is violent coughing, and such fractures often result from other underlying diseases like osteoporosis or cancer, which reduce the strength of the ribs. Direct blow to the ribs, such as that resulting from a fall or car accident, is the most common reason for rib fractures. Also try to include as much detail as possible when describing the incident that caused the break.A fractured rib refers to a break in one of the bones of the rib cage, or the break in the cartilage that forms the rib cage. To ensure any potential complications are caught early, make sure to tell your doctor about all of your symptoms, even if they don’t seem related to a broken rib. Imaging tests, such as an MRI, can usually reveal injury to one of your internal organs or blood vessels. These types of complications are more common if you have multiple broken ribs. ![]() A break in one of the middle ribs that causes a jagged bone edge to penetrate the lung could potentially cause the lung to collapse.Ī break in one of the lower ribs can cut or puncture the liver, kidney, or spleen if the break is dramatic. Other blood vessels in or near the heart may also be at risk.Īnother potential complication of a broken rib is a punctured lung. While you certainly wouldn’t wish for a serious rib fracture, the benefits of having surgery with plates and screws typically include shorter healing time and less pain than leaving the ribs to heal on their own.Ĭan a broken rib cause any complications?ĭepending on which rib breaks and the severity of the injury, your heart and lungs may be at risk.Ī serious break in one of the three top ribs could damage the aorta, the large artery that emerges from the top of the heart and delivers blood to much of your body. In some cases, this may involve using plates and screws to stabilize the ribs while they heal. Very serious rib fractures, such as those that make breathing difficult, may require surgery. If possible, try to sleep in a more upright position for the first few nights after the injury. Just make sure you wrap it in a thin towel first. You can also apply an ice pack to the area to reduce pain and decrease swelling. In the first few days after a rib is broken, an injectable form of anesthesia may help numb the nerves directly around the rib. Today, broken ribs are usually left to heal on their own without any supportive devices or bandages.ĭepending on your pain level, your doctor might prescribe something you can take for pain relief. But this type of bandaging can restrict your breathing and occasionally lead to respiratory problems, including pneumonia. Doctors used to treat a fractured rib by wrapping the torso tightly to help keep the affected rib from moving. Treating broken ribs has changed in recent years. ![]()
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