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 of cracked rib that you are likely to experience is sharp pain when you take a deep breath. Cracked ribs gradually heal on their own, however, the person has to endure a lot of pain in the meantime. Hence, the basic treatment for cracked ribs aims at reducing the pain.

Cracked Ribs Symptoms and Treatment

Cracked ribs are pretty uncommon in children and babies as their bones are fairly elastic. If you suspect a cracked rib in your child, then it is most important that you uncover the cause, because cracked ribs in children are often a sign of child abuse. In adults, cracked rib symptoms and corresponding treatment are as follows.

Cracked Rib Symptoms
Cracked ribs or bruised ribs can result from a fall or an injury. If you meet with an accident and fall flat on your chest, chances are, you may have broken or cracked ribs. Cracking of the first rib is pretty uncommon as it is well protected by the clavicle bone. Middle ribs are most susceptible to cracks and fractures due to their frontal location. Rib number 7 and 10 are the ones that have to endure maximum number of cracks. As ribs move while breathing, you will experience pain every time you breathe deeply, if you have a cracked rib. As a result, you may tend to take rapid, shallow breaths. This may further lead to a severe lung infection such as pneumonia. You may also experience pain in the side of the cracked rib. However, the pain is usually not persistent, but surfaces at times when you take a deep breath, laugh or roll. Bruising of the ribs may result when the injury is due to severe, persistent cough. In some cases, you may experience shortness of breath, restlessness, dizziness etc.

Cracked Rib Treatment
Cracked rib is not as dangerous as broken rib, as there is no risk of broken fragments of bones dangling dangerously and puncturing your lungs. Nonetheless, cracked ribs can be pretty painful, hence treatment becomes inevitable at times. Cracked ribs may not be detected in an X-Ray, hence they may go unnoticed unless a person reports painful breathing. Pain killers such as paracetamol are often the first course of treatment for cracked ribs. There is no effective treatment as such for this condition. The body takes care of a cracked rib on its own. The surrounding ribs and tendons protect the cracked rib from damaging further and also promote healing.

Taping ribs is one treatment option that was widely implemented earlier. However, many physicians advise against this practice, as there is often a chance of lung collapse or breathing difficulty if the ribs are not taped properly. Besides, it restricts the movement of the lungs. Hence, if you must, make sure you always follow a correct technique 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 for a prolonged time, then do not hesitate to see a doctor on a priority basis.