If you suspect that you have broken ribs, it is important to see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis. In most cases, broken ribs will heal on their own within six weeks. However, there are some things you can do to help ease pain and speed up healing:
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Rest: Avoid intense workouts and playing sports, but moving and breathing as close to normally for you is an important part of your recovery.
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Ice: Apply an ice pack 20 minutes of every hour you are awake for the first 2 days, then 10 to 20 minutes 3 times daily as needed to reduce pain and swelling.
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Pain relief: Take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to relieve pain. If medicines taken by mouth dont help enough, shots can numb the nerves that lead to the ribs.
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Breathing exercises: Once pain is under control, certain exercises can help you breathe more deeply. Shallow breathing can lead to pneumonia.
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Stay active: While you heal, avoid movements that put painful pressure on your ribs. These include doing crunches and pushing, pulling, or lifting heavy objects. However, it is important to stay active. Do not rest in bed all day. Your provider will talk with you about when you can return to your everyday activities, work, and sports or other high impact activity.
If you think you have a rib fracture or any other broken bone, you need to see a doctor immediately.
