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What Causes Pain In Ribs?

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Posted on Mon, 28 Jul 2014
Question: I am 15 Year Old Female

I practice Brazilian Jujitsu for 5 years (since 10) BJJ is a full contact sport

I was in a tournament 4 weeks ago; the competitor used an illegal move called a (Figure 4 from guard) or a compression lock to my ribs

After the match I iced my back and ribs for hours...no x rays were taken
Hurt to breath after the match...other than that 100% healthy

4 weeks later my left rib still hurts; only in the morning when I wake up. Probably my 2nd or 3rd rib. The pain is pin pointed meaning I can point at it. Only hurts in the morning; after about 1 hour or less it stops hurting. My ribs do not hurt during any activity only EACH and EVERY Morning.

NO SPARING since the injury and do not plan to spar until 1 month after complete healing.

Question: How long should I expect this morning pain to continue?
Question: Should I get an Xray now 1 month later?
Question: What else can you tell me?

Today my physical activity continues to be, I still play volleyball 3x a week, run 3 x a week, practice Brazilian Jujitsu 2x per week (BUT NO SPARING) MY DAD Says no pressure at all on the ribs until I have healed or fell no pain for 1 month

Thank you,
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Rib fracture likely.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
It seems that you had a rib fracture due to the injury. The fractured fragments usually take 6-8 weeks to heal. In case a proper rest is not provided to the injured area - like in your case the recovery can take longer.
After 1 month there is no use of having an X-ray done. The ribs must have partially healed by now. The mild pain that you are having is also likely to subside in next few weeks. Avoid any exercise and overhead activities from the injured side.
You can do a hot fomentation and apply a local analgesic gel over the area to reduce the pain. Your dad is right in saying to avoid any pressure on the ribs.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (10 hours later)
Thank you Dr XXXXXXX

May I ask; why avoid any exercise and overhead activities from the injured side?

Also; should I do any Deep Breathing?
or any Shoulder Blade Squeezes; or other?

Finally should I sling my arm when not active or is it to late for this?

Many Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (24 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Details below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
Exercise and overhead activity will cause a muscle stretch and will delay the healing.
Doing deep breathing and shoulder blade squeezes will help and decrease the stiffness in the area.
Using a sling now will not be of any help now.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.
Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 12314 Questions

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What Causes Pain In Ribs?

Brief Answer: Rib fracture likely. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query. It seems that you had a rib fracture due to the injury. The fractured fragments usually take 6-8 weeks to heal. In case a proper rest is not provided to the injured area - like in your case the recovery can take longer. After 1 month there is no use of having an X-ray done. The ribs must have partially healed by now. The mild pain that you are having is also likely to subside in next few weeks. Avoid any exercise and overhead activities from the injured side. You can do a hot fomentation and apply a local analgesic gel over the area to reduce the pain. Your dad is right in saying to avoid any pressure on the ribs. I hope this answers your query. In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out. Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. Praveen Tayal. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal