Suggest Treatment For Chest Pain

Posted on Mon, 24 Nov 2014

Question: Yesterday I asked a question about falling down two steps and landing on the ground. I also said my ribs didn't hurt. Today, they hurt from my chest in the front and my shoulder blade in the back. My arm that I landed on hurts to pick anything up. I didn't sleep much last night because of the pain and I can't sleep on the side I fell on. It hurts when I draw in breath. Is there anything I should do to help with the pain besides taking Advil, which is doing nothing for the pain. Should I go to the ER for xrays?

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Rib belt helps in reduction of chest pain

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
I have gone through your query and understand your concern. The symptoms described are suggestive of soft tissue injury (chest and shoulder).Having said that the best way to rule out any minor fracture of rib is by getting x-ray done.

I usually treat my patient with soft tissue injury or fracture of rib by -
1. Rest, rib belt and with advice to talk and walk slowly, avoid forceful cough/sneezing.
2.Hot water fomentation along with strong pan killer drugs like tramadol and paracetamol combination (Tab.Ultracet).
It usually takes 3-4 weeks for chest injury to become pain free.
Hope this answers your query.
Take care

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

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