Cracked Rib Treatment

Rib cage is made up of fragile ribs which are susceptible to damages and injuries. A direct injury is not always necessary for the ribs to crack, as simple actions like severe coughing may also cause cracked ribs. The only symptom associated with cracked ribs is that there is a sharp pain when you take deep breath. Cracked ribs gradually heal on their own, however, the person has to endure the pain in the meantime. Hence, the basic treatment for cracked ribs aims at reducing the pain.

Cracked Ribs Symptoms and Treatment

Cracked Rib Symptoms
Cracked ribs or bruised ribs can result from a fall or an injury. If you met with an accident and fall on your chest, chances are that you may have broken or cracked ribs. You will experience pain in the side of the cracked rib. However, the pain is not persistent, but surfaces at times when you take a deep breath or laugh or roll. Bruising of the ribs results when the injury is due to severe, persistent cough. More on bruised rib symptoms.

Cracked Rib Treatment
If the pain is unbearable or continuous, then treatment for cracked rib may become necessary. Moreover, if the cracked rib dangles dangerously, then you might get your lungs punctured. Cracked ribs cannot be detected in an X-Ray, hence they are treated as a break. Pain killers are the prescribed medications for the treatment for cracked ribs. Earlier, cracked ribs were treated using a tape. Taping them was considered as a good option to prevent their movement and putting them in place. However, many physicians oppose this, as there is often a chance of lung collapse or breathing difficulty if the ribs are not taped properly. Hence, always follow a correct technique if you are going for a rib tape.

• Always make use of cloth strips or athletic wraps to tape your ribs
• Ask the injured person to exhale as much air as possible
• Place the binding above the injured rib and encircle the body 2-3 times with the wrap.
• You may tie the wrap or continue with the same for the rib below.
• Repeat the procedure for the rib below the cracked rib.

The best treatment for cracked ribs involves taking plenty of rest and not doing activities that can put the damaged ribs, or worse your lungs, at risk. Cracked ribs heal naturally within 6 months, hence some patience on your part can accelerate recovery. If you take long deep breaths every hour during these six months, you can prevent your lungs from getting congested or catching pneumonia. Although, this is going to be extremely painful, you'll do a lot good to your cracked ribs as well as lungs.

As mentioned before, the best cracked rib treatment is to wait for it to heal naturally. However, if you experience problem with your breathing, then do not hesitate to call emergency.