Rib bruise – causes, complaints & therapy

The rib bruise is also referred to as rib contusion and is usually caused by a blunt, external force (e.g. fall or impact), as a result of which injuries or damage (trauma) of the bony ribs occur. In most cases, a rib contusion is the result of a sports accident.

In the case of rib bruising, the forces acting on the ribs during the injury do not exceed the elasticity of the affected bones; if this were the case, a corresponding force would cause a rib fracture (i.e. a bone fracture in the area of the ribs) in addition to a rib bruise.

Causes

Since the rib bruise is usually caused by bumps or falls, it often occurs as a result of sports accidents. Athletes who carry a high risk of a rib bruise are, for example, martial artists orAthletes in so-called contact sports such as handball or football. In addition, sports that carry a risk of falling are more likely to suffer a rib bruise; this applies, for example, to athletes in sports such as mountain biking, horse riding or skiing.

Due to the high elasticity of the rib bones, the bony and cartilaginous part of the ribs is often only bruised (rib bruise). With stronger force, one or more ribs can break – in this case one speaks of a rib fracture.

When to see a doctor?

Although serious injuries can be ruled out immediately after the triggering event, a follow-up visit is recommended so that an intensive examination can take place. In addition to bruises or fractures, there is a risk of internal injuries that must be excluded.

If there is shortness of breath, pain during breathing or in a resting position, there is cause for concern. An increase in the existing pain experience during inhalation and exhalation are characteristic of a rib bruise. A doctor should be consulted so that a clarification of the discrepancies can take place and a treatment plan is drawn up. Problems of the back, hypersensitivity in the rib area to the touch and sensory disturbances are signs of a health malfunction. If a relieving posture of the body is taken and there is a malposition or malposition, a doctor should be consulted.

Abnormalities in the execution of physical activities, interruptions of the usual movements and coughing are further indications of a rib bruise. If sleep disorders, restrictions on movement and a feeling of illness appear, a doctor is needed. An inner tension, tachycardia and shortness of breath are also to be presented to a doctor. Normally, the complaints persist unabated and lead to severe impairments of the general processes.

Symptoms and course

Typical symptoms of rib bruise:

• Bruise

• Breathing difficulties

• Rib pain
• Chest pain

A rib bruise is initially manifested by severe pain, which is locally limited to the area of the bruise. The bruised area also usually triggers pain when touched from the outside.

Occasionally, the pain that accompanies a bruised rib may radiate to other areas of the chest and may also be temporarily worsened by coughing or sneezing.

Those affected are often unable to breathe in and out deeply because of the pain. Due to the shallow breathing, they always have the feeling of not being able to take in enough oxygen.

Bruises (bruises) can also occur as a result of a bruised rib. This happens due to pinching of small blood vessels in the tissue overlying the ribs. A bruised rib can also irritate nerve endings in the thin layer of tissue that covers the ribs.

The course of a rib bruise is highly dependent on the severity of the bruise and the physical constitution of the person affected. As a rule, the healing process of a bruised rib takes about two to four weeks, but it can also extend over longer periods of time.

Diagnosis

The symptoms of a rib bruise are very similar to those of a rib fracture . The pain is often even more intense than with a broken rib. Therefore, only a doctor can make a clear diagnosis with the tools available to him. Those affected often complain of very severe pain in the chest area and the resulting shallow breathing, which can lead to ( shortness of Breath ). If such complaints occur, for example after a fall, these symptoms are the first important clues when diagnosing the cause.

During the physical exam, the doctor listens to the chest with a stethoscope to check lung function. He then feels the costal arch for possible swelling, bone misalignments or chips. Furthermore, an X-ray or ultrasound examination can be used for more precise diagnosis.

treatment and therapy

A first measure that can have a positive effect on a bruised rib is rapid cooling of the affected area. In this way, severe swelling and pain can be counteracted, among other things, which can be associated with a bruised rib.

A bruised rib is often treated conservatively (i.e. without the use of surgical measures). During the healing process of a bruised rib, doctors usually advise absolute protection of the injured rib area.Athletes, in particular, are usually advised to pause in their sporting activities while a rib contusion is healing.

A treatment of the rib bruise is carried out on a case-by-case basis, for example by the administration of pain and anti-inflammatory ointments. However, the effect of appropriate ointments on a rib bruise is sometimes discussed critically by physicians.

Exposure to UV rays can also have a positive effect on the healing process of a bruised rib. Since a bruised rib is a very painful injury, therapy often includes additional treatment with painkillers.

If it is unclear whether an injury is a bruised rib or a rib fracture, this can be clarified before therapy, for example by means of sonography or X-rays.

Prevention

Since a rib bruise usually occurs as a result of accidents that are often unforeseeable, a rib bruise can only be prevented to a limited extent. However, it is important to prevent severe symptoms that follow a bruised rib; for example, through timely cooling and consistent rest during the time when a bruised rib is still acute. If these measures are followed after a rib bruise, it is possible to positively influence the severity of bruises and pain, for example.