Rib FractureA rib fracture is a crack or break in one of the bones of the rib cage. A rib fracture is most often caused by a direct blow to the chest. Other causes include forceful coughing or having thin bones (such as from osteoporosis or cancer). A rib fracture can be very painful: - At the site where the chest was injured (localized pain).
- With deep breathing.
- When pressure is applied to the injured area.
The treatment for a rib fracture that does not occur with a more serious injury is usually rest, ice to the area, and medicine to relieve pain. Current as of:
March 21, 2017 Author:
Healthwise Staff Medical Review:
William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
|
|