10 Causes of Rib Pain
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
Cause #5: Contusion
A rib contusion or a bruised rib can take several days to weeks to heal depending on the severity. It can cause severe pain during breathing and can affect lung health. There may also be visible swelling and bruising. It happens due to trauma, road traffic accidents, and falls.
It can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication, rest, application of ice packs, and possibly a nerve block if necessary. An ice pack applied over the injured area every 1 to 2 hours for 15 to 20 minutes can help with pain relief and swelling.
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