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There really isn't a lot one can do for a cracked rib. The old-style therapy was to try and tape the chest wall. Other than forming a pretty ineffective armor over the rib, this seems to have no real effect at all. Cracked ribs hurt when you breathe, and take up to 5 weeks to heal -- sometimes more. Painkillers and icepacks are your salvation. Try hard not to irritate the wound.
Note -- this is true of cracked ribs. Broken ribs are another matter altogether.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoRib fractures are not very common but not unheard of either. As they are surrounded by lots of strong muscle, it takes quite a force to abuse them. A rib fracture/crack can be caused by a fall, getting hit by a car, or from extremely forceful coughing (i.e. due to pneumonia).
Complications can occur when the fracture breaks apart completely in half. The sharp surface is likely to protrude the surrounding organs, namely the lungs.
Some signs and symptoms of a fractured/cracked ribs include:
1. Severe sharp pain in the chest area worsened by taking a breath in.
2. History of recent trauma to the area.
3. Swelling and tenderness around the rib are (this may include that back).
4. Deviation/asymmetry of the chest area, especially when taking a breath in.
5. Crepitus (grinding and crunching sound due to the bone ends making contact)
6. Nausea and Vomiting.
7. Shortness of Breath.
8. Coughing up blood.
9. Chest wall deformity.
10. Severe pain on movement.
The treatment for a rib fracture follows the general rules for treating fractures. Immobilise the patient by telling him/her to limit movement.
Call for an ambulance or have the patient dispatched to hospital immediately in case any complications arise.
Lean the patient towards the side of the injury so that any fluid can drain and not affect the surrounding area.
Continue to reassure the patient and advise her of what you are doing and how it will help.
In rare cases, the fractured rib may protrude completely and break the surface of the skin. In this instance, control any external bleeding by applying a sterile dressing around the protrusion and padding over the bone.
Provided you are qualified, a pre-hospital analgesic may be used. Effective analgesics in this case include entonox (nitrous oxide), methoxyflurane or morphine.
Always assume that complications are present and have the patient checked by medical professionals.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoWait it out :-)
There is really nothing to do. Rib wounds are healed with patience and rest.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoRICE-Rest Ice Cool Elevation
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You think you crank your rib cage?
A cracked rib can be caused by a fall, excessive coughing, or just about anything. There is no real treatment for a cracked rib besides time.
How do you determine a cracked rib?
You get a chest X-ray!
Broken rib treatment?
Time
Definition causes and treatment of cracked nipples?
defn cracked nipple
Could you have slept wrong or fractured a rib if you hugged a friend he picked you up squeezing hard cracking your back unexpectedly this morning your mid rib cage on your right side is aching badly?
Yes, you could have cracked a rib but without an x-ray there is no way to know for certain. If you have any questions about something like that you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Whether a rib is cracked or not, the treatment is to just let it heal. If the rib is out of place, at the costosternal joint or the costovertebral joint, a chiropractor can reallign the joint to reduce any stress or tension in the area. This can make a tremendous difference in your ability to have regular mobility again.
What is the Treatment for cracked vertebrate?
Bob Murray
What can be done for a cracked rib?
There isn't much that can be done for a bruised rib. Take a pain medication as directed and take it easy until the rib heals.
What might cause a pain in rib with lump under skin by left rib for three months and persistent cough?
A part of your lung might have collapsed. Your rib might be cracked or is squishing your lung to where it's making you cough.
Pains in the chest?
This can be a sign of almost anything from a heart attack to a cracked rib to indigestion. You need to be more specific.
What conditions could cause pain in the rib cage?
Costochondritis is a common inflammatory condition of the place where the rib and rib cartilage meet. Other lung and related conditions, such as pleuritis, can also cause inflammation in the chest and rib cage area.
What is the difference in a fractured bone and a broken bone?
A cracked rib is only partially broken; the rib is still mostly intact and able to do its job, and doesn't need (or have) any special treatment except not doing what cracked it in the first place. A broken rib is more dangerous, as there are two loose ends floating around that may pierce internal organs and do a lot more damage to you. It requires medical attention to ensure this does not happen, but there is not much more that can be done than keep an eye on it.
What is the treatment for torn cartilage in the rib area?
There is no such medical condition as a torn cartilage in the rib area. If you have had injury, you can get a fracture of ribs or just bruising from trauma
