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What Are Symptoms Of Rib Fracture?

Posted on Wed, 3 Sep 2014

Question: I fear I may have a rib fracture. I bent over and kind of twisted my torso, heard a tiny snap, and now have bad pain with movement. The area (far right side near lowest part of rib cage) is very tender to touch or pressure applied nearby. I'm 64. Do have arthritis, in my right hip primarily. As luck would have it, I do have an appointment already scheduled for Monday at the local VA but wondered if I should go to the VA ER before then (not terribly anxious to do this though). Thank you

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You need to get x ray

Detailed Answer:
Hello madam,
I have read your question and I believe that it can be a rib fracture. But before I advise you any thing I want to know few more detail about your conditon.
1. Is your pain bearable? Have you taken any medicine?
2. Are you having pain on sneezing and coughing?
3. Are you able to lie on affected side? Are you having nay difficulty in breathing when you are lying on bed?
Please send me answers of these question. I will try my best to help you.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (4 days later)

The pain is certainly bearable unless pressure is applied to the actual spot. If I cough or sneeze, I feel pain at that spot. I can lay on that side now. The problem has improved a lot over the last three days. I've only taken Tylenol. It felt enough better that I took off the bindings today but tonight it hurts worse again so I've put it back on. It is certainly improved however. Thank you. Serveral years ago (like 2O plus) I had a bone scan test and it showed osteopenia in my right hip. Both my mother and father had problems with osteoporosis. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It may remain a little painful for some time

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Rib fractures takes time to heal and may remain painful for some time. If you are feeling better then it is a good sign. You can take Tylenol on whenever needed basis. I would also suggest you to take calcium and vitamin D as it will prevent any such injury in future.
Let me know if there is any other query.
Thanks.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju