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Suggest Treatment For Pain In The Ribs
Question: I have two broken ribs--6 & 7 on the right. Just from breathing I feel them popping in and out of position. Its painful. It happened 5 days ago. How will they heal with this movement? I'm in great shape, Never fell before
This is still very painful and I'm worried about the movement. I ride my bicycle 2-3000 mules every summer. Will I be ok to do that
This is still very painful and I'm worried about the movement. I ride my bicycle 2-3000 mules every summer. Will I be ok to do that
Brief Answer:
It may take until summer, you will more likely be healthy again
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to HealthcareMagic,
I can understand your situation and I'm so sorry to hear about this.
Usually, in patients with rib fracture it is very important the number of ribs fractured, and concomitant injuries.
As you explained, fortunately, you have two fracture ribs and the chest X-ray has not shown any concomitant injuries.
In this situation, the management should be for the pain with painkillers, with mobilization and later on with physiotherapy.
Another important clue is the reason of fracture if it is due to trauma or due to some other reason.
As you've mentioned you never fell before, so if it's traumatic they are mainly treated with periods of rest, analgesia, and activity modification until symptoms resolve.
If the fracture is of no known cause then maybe you should be screened for other pathologies behind this with CT scan of thorax.
Nevertheless, in your situation avoid sharp movements, continue taking painkillers like Paracetamol along with Advil twice-thrice/daily after food and you will feel better.
If despite following these, the situation worsens after some days or in case you will feel breathlessness, please go back to the ER and discuss with the doctor for further evaluation.
In my opinion, until summer you will more likely be healthy again
Take care
Feel free to ask me again
DR.Jolanda
It may take until summer, you will more likely be healthy again
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to HealthcareMagic,
I can understand your situation and I'm so sorry to hear about this.
Usually, in patients with rib fracture it is very important the number of ribs fractured, and concomitant injuries.
As you explained, fortunately, you have two fracture ribs and the chest X-ray has not shown any concomitant injuries.
In this situation, the management should be for the pain with painkillers, with mobilization and later on with physiotherapy.
Another important clue is the reason of fracture if it is due to trauma or due to some other reason.
As you've mentioned you never fell before, so if it's traumatic they are mainly treated with periods of rest, analgesia, and activity modification until symptoms resolve.
If the fracture is of no known cause then maybe you should be screened for other pathologies behind this with CT scan of thorax.
Nevertheless, in your situation avoid sharp movements, continue taking painkillers like Paracetamol along with Advil twice-thrice/daily after food and you will feel better.
If despite following these, the situation worsens after some days or in case you will feel breathlessness, please go back to the ER and discuss with the doctor for further evaluation.
In my opinion, until summer you will more likely be healthy again
Take care
Feel free to ask me again
DR.Jolanda
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Even though I said I never fell before, this injury was from a fall. My point was that I don't make a habit of falling. Sorry for confusion. My concern is that I am still in a lot of pain and My MD seems to think the 10 pills he gave me will be enough. I understand he is trying to protect me from addiction but gee ! I have used them sparingly when in bed so I can sleep. During day I'm very uncomfortable. I can"t take NSADS because they drive up my creat. which is normal otherwise. Just looking for other solutions. This is all from a guy who can, as a rule, take a lot of pain. Thanks for listening XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Use painkillers in patch form
Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
Hence, don't worry, you do not have other diseases.
As regards to the pain, you can use painkillers in patch form in the skin of the broken ribs or you can take orally Tramadol twice for several days.
Using the above for a short time usually do not interfere in creat values. Always ensure to remain well hydrated though.
I am here to help you again.
Dr.Jolanda
Use painkillers in patch form
Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
Hence, don't worry, you do not have other diseases.
As regards to the pain, you can use painkillers in patch form in the skin of the broken ribs or you can take orally Tramadol twice for several days.
Using the above for a short time usually do not interfere in creat values. Always ensure to remain well hydrated though.
I am here to help you again.
Dr.Jolanda
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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