Overview

A broken rib is a crack or break in one of the bones of the rib cage. Breathing can be very painful because the muscles used for breathing pull on the rib.

In most cases, a broken rib will heal on its own. You can take pain medicine while the rib mends. Pain relief allows you to take deep breaths. In the past, doctors recommended taping or wrapping broken ribs. This is no longer done because taping makes it hard for you to take deep breaths. Taking deep breaths may help prevent pneumonia or a partial collapse of a lung.

Your rib will heal in about 6 weeks.

You heal best when you take good care of yourself. Eat a variety of healthy foods, and don't smoke.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
• Even if it hurts, try to cough or take the deepest breath you can at least once every hour. This will get air deeply into your lungs. This may reduce your chance of getting pneumonia or a partial collapse of a lung. Hold a pillow against your chest to make this less painful.
• Put ice or a cold pack on the area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.