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Hi - I Fell Off A 3’ Platform Onto A
Question: Hi - I fell off a 3’ platform onto a concrete floor; the left side of my body. My upper arm hit first so it took the majority of the impact. I have pain just about bra strap level more toward my back. The pain has gotten worse over this past week especially when I sneeze or cough. Deep breathing is not a problem. Should I see a doctor for an exam or can I just let the muscle and ribs heal as there does not seem to be many treatment options? Thanks
Brief Answer:
See below
Detailed Answer:
Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using Ask a Doctor. You are right that even if you did have a rib fracture, typically the only treatment is pain control while it heals. Otherwise, it is common to have bruising and damage to the muscles and connective tissue around the ribs, and the treatment would be the same. The main concern and purpose of evaluating rib fractures is to make sure the rib or trauma has not injured the spleen, kidney or lung, but if it has been a week, and you are able to breathe without difficulty and because the fall was not from such a great height, and it sounds like the pain is above the level of the diaphragm and not near the spleen, I think you are likely to be alright without seeing a doctor. If in the next week the pain is worsening or not improving, then I would suggest getting evaluated and possibly get a chest x-ray to assess for injuries.
I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any questions about that and I would be glad to discuss it further with you.
See below
Detailed Answer:
Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using Ask a Doctor. You are right that even if you did have a rib fracture, typically the only treatment is pain control while it heals. Otherwise, it is common to have bruising and damage to the muscles and connective tissue around the ribs, and the treatment would be the same. The main concern and purpose of evaluating rib fractures is to make sure the rib or trauma has not injured the spleen, kidney or lung, but if it has been a week, and you are able to breathe without difficulty and because the fall was not from such a great height, and it sounds like the pain is above the level of the diaphragm and not near the spleen, I think you are likely to be alright without seeing a doctor. If in the next week the pain is worsening or not improving, then I would suggest getting evaluated and possibly get a chest x-ray to assess for injuries.
I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any questions about that and I would be glad to discuss it further with you.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
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