Ribs are bones carried by the vertebral column in the thoracic region. It extends from the dorsal surface to the ventral medial line of the body. These structures enclose and protect organs located in the cavity of thoracic region. They are structurally strong but they could be injured if they are stroked by greater force that is not bearable for the ribs to withstand.
Like any other injury, pain is one of the prominent symptoms experienced by a person suffering from bruised rib. When the fractured area is pressed or touched while breathing, consequently pain is experienced. This is because the ends of the broken ribs damages and therefore, tenderizes the breathing muscles that cause a painful breathing if pressed. This difficulty in breathing is called Pleuritic pain.
Red visibility in the skin is where the injured ribs underlie. Discoloration or bruising appears at the site of injury. This is a shallow type of symptoms of bruised ribs. This kind of injury has an effect on every activity an individual does. Even simple activity like walking, bending and standing in an upright position is quite painful. Twisting the torso might cause stinging pain and difficulty in finding a comfortable sleeping position. Since it is painful, it indicates rib injuries.
When a rib is bruised, its ends tend to put pressure and disturb vital organs it encloses especially the lungs. Probably, it is because of the displacement of ribs from its initial position. Consequently, due to a blunt trauma, ribs could be broken. It has an effect on the function of lungs and that is why short breathing is experienced. This phenomenon could lead to risks of lung infection and sequentially, it may cause pneumonia. Averting this kind of fracture must be facilitated by medical assistance.
The initiation of a treatment processes must be done immediately. Home medication is relevant. Wrap up an icepack and place it gently on the injured site technically on the area of discoloration. Allot fifteen to twenty minutes of contact and afterwards, remove the icepack and evaluate the intensity of swelling. If ever the ice pack treatment did not lessen the swelling, go and seek professional medical help.
It is hard for the doctor to treat a rib injury. The common method is conducting and X-ray of the upper extremities to see and examine the injury; requiring the patient to take enough rest and prevent oneself from doing excessive movements that cause pain. Inflammatory and swelling sensation can be relieved by taking up anti-inflammatory medicines prescribed by the doctor.
The use of immobilizing belts is usually restricted by doctors for it would contribute to the increased risk in obtaining pneumonia. Doctors suggest to patients not to participate in any exhausting physical activities to prevent further damage of ribs. For those people who are part in sports activities and do not want to bruise their ribs, wearing protective gear is a prerequisite to prevent the chest from unexpected trauma. Predominantly, the people who got their selves completely healed from rib fracture are obliged to exercise gently to strengthen and improve the flexibility of their muscles.
