A broken rib is one of the most common fractures. This is due to the fact that there are many ways a rib may be broken. Car accidents, assaults and falls are all possible causes. You may experience several symptoms if you have a broken rib. A broken rib is often accompanied by swelling, bruising and pain. The symptoms you experience are dependent on the number of ribs broken and which ones.
The angle at which the ribs break and how they were damaged will also affect whether or not you need surgery. It is important that you tell your doctor if you feel any discomfort or pain in your ribcage. The rib can be broken so that it damages the organs around it. If you suspect a broken rib, here are 14 symptoms you should be aware of.
1. Extreme Initial Pain
Pain is one of the most common symptoms you will experience if you fracture or break your rib. The way you feel pain will tell your doctor a lot about the type injury you have. You should describe your pain in the most accurate way possible to your doctor when you’re describing it.
Your doctor will be able to tell if you are experiencing a stabbing pain versus a dull pain or pain caused by pressure. You may also notice bruising in the area of the injury almost immediately. You may experience increased pain in that area if you do certain activities, especially if they put more strain on the broken or fractured rib. You should keep your body as quiet as possible while medical professionals evaluate the injury.
