Trying to recover from an injury you can’t see isn’t always easy. Injuries such as bruised ribs can cause a lot of pain and discomfort but with no obvious way to recover, it’s not an easy process. In this post, you’re going to find some handy ways you can aid recovery without injuring yourself further, plus some handy products to aid recovery.
It’s important to remember to check with a medical professional if your pain is getting worse or if you’re worried about your injury!
Bruised Ribs
Bruised ribs occur when you’ve had a fall or accident. Sports accidents are a common cause of bruised ribs since you’re more likely to fall over. Alongside this having a road accident is also a common cause since it involves direct impacts. You’ll often see bruising on the outside or experience discomfort in the chest area.
Generally, bruised ribs heal themselves within 3-6 weeks, it’s important not to further damage your ribs by playing impact sports, rest is key! Some common symptoms of bruised ribs include:
- Chest pain, often when you breathe – you might find you feel as though you have shortness of breath.
- Swelling around the impacted ribs
- Bruising on the skin around the affected ribs
Normally, a chest x-ray isn’t needed, but it’s always important to seek medical attention to get a doctor’s advice first. Since you can’t put a cast around bines in your rib cage, there isn’t much you can do outside of rest and recovery at home.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will be able to diagnose you with bruised ribs, they’ll start by reviewing your symptoms, then later listening to and watching your chest. This is so they can make sure your rib pain hasn’t impacted your lung function.
An x-ray may be needed but this isn’t necessary in all cases. It’ll only be required if your doctor sees you’re in severe pain or if they’re worried about your symptoms.
The treatment for rib injuries is generally the same in all cases. Your doctor will make sure your broken or bruised ribs haven’t touched or injured any internal organs, they’ll suggest pain relief and rest!
How To Aid Recovery
There are some handy ways to help ease the pain of bruised ribs without damaging your chest further. Below, you’ll find some helpful ways you can reduce your pain! Remember to rest and look after yourself during the healing process.
- Painkillers – Taking painkillers is the best way to help ease pain immediately. Remember to always take the recommended dose, no matter how bad the pain is!
- Ice pack – Hold an ice pack or frozen peas in a towel to your affected ribs. Doing this within the first few days of the injury occurring will help to take down the swelling.
- Sleep – Try to sleep upright for the first few nights, sleep is an important part of recovery!
- Cough – Don’t resist coughing! Coughing and breathing normally will help to clear your chest from any mucus that might have built up, especially from a chest infection!
- Move – It’s important to keep moving. Move slowly whilst also remembering to move your shoulders within a comfortable range.
- Breathing – Taking deep breaths is a great way to keep your lungs clear. Take 10 deep breaths every hour to aid your chest.
All of those tips above are great ways to aid recovery without causing further damage to your injury. Taking time to let yourself recover is the most important thing. Rushing recovery could only lead to more damage.
What To Avoid
There are also a few things you should avoid doing if you’re looking to help aid recovery. Here, you’ll find some things you should definitely avoid doing!
If you have a chest injury, it’s important to make sure you’re looking after yourself properly. Although bruised ribs are a common injury, doing too much can cause more internal damage.
- Bandage – Don’t wrap a bandage tightly around your chest. You need to keep breathing as normally as possible and this will only restrict you.
- Staying still – Don’t stay still or sit down for too long, it’s important to keep moving alongside your rest.
- Strain – Don’t strain yourself by lifting heavy objects, this will only hinder the recovery process.
- Smoking – Stopping smoking will also help to aid the recovery process!
Now you’ve got some super handy and helpful tips to aid your recovery, hopefully, you’ll be back to your normal self soon! Recovery should never be rushed, only aided. Stay on top of pain medication, especially if you have strong pain in your affected area and remember to listen to the medical advice of your doctor.