Fractured Rib

What is a fractured rib? This injury is common in contact sports and usually occurs when you have a hard impact to the chest such as an elbow. Symptoms include: Pain and swelling at a particular point in the ribs. Pain when you breathe in deeply or when you cough or sneeze. Pain at a specific point when someone presses in over the whole of your rib cage What can the athlete do? Rest is all you can do. If it is very severe then you should seek medical attention to ensure no damage has been done inside the rib cage. If you have a severe fracture of the ribs I think you would know about it! What can a sports injury specialist or doctor do? There is not much a sports injury specialist can do except confirm the diagnosis and advise rest. A doctor can X-ray the ribs and rule out any internal damage. How long will it take to heal? If it is not a severe fracture then you should be back in action from between 3 to 6 weeks so long as you rest. If you do not rest then it will not be given the chance to heal.   The information contained on this site is purely a source of information and can at no time replace the expert eye of a qualified professional. We recommend seeking professional advice before embarking on any form of self treatment. Neither the content or nor any other service provided through mybesttennis.com is intended to be relied on for medical diagnosis or treatment. Never delay in seeking professional advice because of something seen on mybesttennis.com.