Suggest Treatment For Bruising And Soreness On Ribs Post Injury

Posted on Mon, 16 Mar 2015

Question: Last Thursday I fell three feet onto the side of a boat, landed on left side. Ribs were sore and slightly bruised. Now almost a week later the bruising seems to be getting worse and the pain is far worse too.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (42 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You might have a rib fracture

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case and I think that you might have a rib fracture.In this injury there is severe pain during coughing, sneezing and on sleeping on that side.To confirm the diagnosis you need to get a chest x ray.If x ray shows fracture you need to follow this.
1. Avoid any jerky activity, like travelling.
2.Do not apply any tape or strapping, it will cause more pain.
3. Take Ultracet twice daily.
4.Take Voveron thrice daily.
5. Apply hot water fomentation, and Voletran ointment.
Please consult your doctor before taking these medicines. Rib fracture take time to heal , It will take at least a month to make you complete pain free.
I hope this answer will be useful for you.Let me know if there is any other followup questions.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (17 hours later)

Unfortunately I am unable to take Voveron as I am severely allergic to NSAIDs.

Can you tell me why the bruise would grow in size a week later?

Also, if there is a fracture, would the pain not have been worse right away and not gradually become worse?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
you can take Tramadol

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
If you can not take NSAID then you should take Tramadol.
Bruise can increase in size after one week, due to blood getting dissolved.
Initially when there is fracture muscle goes in to spasm and prevent any movement. Gradually when there is increase in activity then pain increases. An x ray will confirm the diagnosis.
Let me know if you have any other query.
Thanks

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar