fractured ribs?

Question

how long will they take to heal

Answer 1

I just did a letter to someone yesterday for broken ribs. I will just cut and paste some of it for you if you do not mind. It is basically everything you need to know in peoplespeak LOL. I capitalized the answer to your specific question.

Unfortunately,there is almost nothing you can do about broken ribs except control the pain until the fractures heal. Broken ribs are a common injury, usually caused by trauma to the chest.

Of course you should see a doctor. Broken ribs can be dangerous and puncture lungs, etc etc. Rubs can puncture delicate organs, dangerous and can be fatal so you need to have an X-ray done.

The most important thing to do is take it easy and rest often. No strenuous exertion! As you know by now, deep breathing just plain hurts. As your pain decreases you may start moving about a bit more actively. Take great care to protect those ribs.

To prevent pneumonia, every hour take ten deep breaths. If you can manage this at night, do it. I remember when mine were cracked after surgery; I found clutching a pillow during those deep breaths and in case I coughed gave me a feeling of protection and was a wonderful comfort, physically. If you have a large stuffed toy, that works too. My big teddy bear was my best friend at that time!

You can use heat to lessen swelling. Set the heater to low or use a hot water bottle. No more than 15 to 20 minutes per hour. And never go to sleep with them on.

Pain medications may help relieve discomfort. Doctors typically don't recommend compression wraps for broken ribs unless absolutely necessary for pain. This is because compression wraps can keep you from taking deep breaths, which can increase the risk of lung infections.

IT TAKES ABOUT TWO MONTHS BEFORE HEALING IS COMPLETE.

Why does it hurt so much?

All of your ribs attach to your spine, but only the top seven pairs connect to your sternum (breast bone). These are called 'true ribs' and are connected by strips of cartilage. The next three pairs of ribs are known as 'false ribs'. Instead of attaching directly to your sternum, they all attach to your lowest true rib. The last two pairs of ribs are called 'floating ribs'. These only attach to your spine.

Your ribs form a protective cage that protects your internal organs, such as your heart and lungs. Rib bones are quite fragile and can be easily broken in an accident or even by a violent sneeze.

With every inhalation, the muscles between your ribs, called the intercostals, lift your ribcage helping your lungs to expand. When you exhale, your ribcage moves down, squeezing air out of your lungs.

Remember you will heal just fine. Take this time to catch up on your reading!

Answer 2

Andy S is right. If you haven't had an x-ray, you really need to get to the doctor. My sister fell off of her horse and punctured a lung. She was in the hospital for quite some time, hooked up to a machine that drained the lung, it was awful. My husband fractured a rib in a go cart accident, and my mom fractured a rib from coughing too hard if you can believe that! It took a couple of months for all of them to heal, and it's painful. Take care of yourself, hope you feel better soon.

Answer 3

.Andy's advice is good you should see a doc, i done my rib's 3 time's and it will take between 3 and 5 weeks to heal, i should say that's how long it took me to heal, a couple of thing's i must add is when you feel they may have healed don't put a lot of pressure on them, i went back to work swinging a sledge hammer and they or it popped again it felt like a twig snapped inside me it seemed worse then before so be kind to them.
the other thing i must say is if you cough up any blood then u will for sure need a doctor, it scared the s*** out of my bird when i layed on my side she seen part of my rib cage had sunk, anyway sleep well and try not to laugh. john limerick.

Answer 4

listen carefully. Go to a doctor! I broke 7 of mine before sking into the side of a boat, i tried to solve it with a 6-pack of beer, but i relized the next morning it just keeps hurting. he will give u pain pills and a x-ray too. Ribs can be tricky, because if its broken and not just fractured it can poke ur heart, lungs, and more. just go to a doctor.

Answer 5

You will probably hurt 6-8 weeks. There is no need to see a doctor. There is nothing that can be done.