Broken Rib Treatment

These days, broken ribs or fractures are not very alarming. Although it is a fact that they are a tough nut to crack, when it does happen, it leads to severe pain and immobility of the concerned part of the body. In youngsters, the bones are more durable, and therefore, they do not break so easily unless there is some major accident or a sports injury.

In older people, however, breaking of bones can occur easily, as their bones are worn out. They are more prone to bone fractures. Many times, it so happens that the rib is cracked only in one place and not all the way through the bone. Broken rib treatment is therefore, dependent on the causes.

What you need to do first is control the pain. In minor cases, where the crack is very small, doing these following things will itself heal the crack.

What you need to do for that is as follows:

• Cut around 5 strips of a couple of inches wide adhesive tape. It is better to make sure that the strips are of adequate length so that they reach from the individual's sternum (mid section of the rib cage) till the spine.

• Now, place a strip on the fractured rib directly, running from sternum and going back to the spine. Wrap around the back of the spine.

• To avoid blocking normal breathing, do not put the tape around the whole chest.
• On either sides of ribs, place around 4 pieces of tape, running parallel to each other. This would restrict the movement of the fractured area, reducing pain.

• If you do not have tape, try anything like a stuffed sack tied to the injured area using a bandana. As far as you support the injured area, without obstructing breathing, whatever you can think of would be helpful.

This was for dealing with a minor rib crack. But what if there is a major injury? Well, here is what you can do for serious fractures.

• Check out for the regular symptoms, like problem in breathing, elevated heart rates, and coughing up blood.

• Analyze the movement of the chest. In the advent of one part of the chest rising and the other falling while breathing, there is a stark possibility that at least 3 ribs have been broken on the side of the chest which is falling. This is one of the prominent symptoms.

• Take a rolled piece of clothing and for supporting the fractured area, place it below the fractured part.

• Hold a sand filled bag against the side of the fractured rib for support. It will also reduce the chest pain when breathing.
• Now, tape a large gauze pad across the bag. Apply the tape from one side of the chest to the other. Avoid taping across the back.

• A constant vigil will be needed to monitor the breathing of the individual and get in touch with emergency medical services.
• Monitor the individual and at the slightest inkling of a rib fracture, it is advisable to go to the hospital.

In addition to that, painkillers, like acetaminophen and anti-steroidal non inflammatory drugs help in decreasing the pain.

These will act as a stop gap arrangement and will keep the pain in check till the fracture heals. In addition to this, the doctor may prescribe long-lasting anesthesia injections for nerves around the cracked rib.

A very important thing after the initial impact has subsided and the individual is on his way to healing is ensuring health of the lungs. Deep breathing is what is going to help in the long run as well.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.