Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Painful Swelling In Right Side Of Chest After Rib Injury?
Question: I am 69 years old. Several months ago I slipped getting out of the tub/shower and fell backwards hitting my ribs on the door knob and sink. I went to ER in ambulance. They said I had bruised ribs. I couldn't sit up or lay down by myself for a week or so. Now it is just sore on the right side of my chest cavity all the time. It is hard to get out of the car in the right passenger seat. We just returned from vacation and I realized that my right chest wall is swollen. I guess I haven't looked at it much. It has always felt a little swollen My left side has an indentation for my waist. The right side does not. It is swollen outwards. Should I go to the doctor. Could this be a symptom of something more than bruised ribs. Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Rib fracture, Skin infection
Detailed Answer:
Hi there.
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
I have read your query and understood your problem.
Do you have any pain which taking in a deep breath ?
Do you prefer lying down on the uninjured site rather than both sides on bed ?
Do you have any fever, shortness of breath or cough ?
According to the details provided by you, it appears that your may have an undetected fracture of the ribs which is why it is still sore and tender over that site.
You also mentioned that there is a difference in the skin level over the site of injury. This could indicate presence of swelling in the region of trauma.
If you are having pain in taking deep breath, pain and discomfort on touching the injured region then it could indicate non healing of the fracture or muscle trauma and soft tissue injury.
It is advisable to splint the affected area if the skin is not abraded or ulcerated with elastic adhesive bandage. You can take over the counter anti inflammatory Medicine like Ibuprofen 200mg twice a day over a meal. This will help to reduce the pain and inflammation. Also apply ice packs to reduce inflammation.
Eat healthy and keep well hydrated. Exercise regularly.
Kindly consult your orthopedic surgeon in this regard and get examined to detect any missed fracture. X-ray may be needed.
Kindly follow up with me at any time regarding the progress.
Thanking you.
Regards,
Dr. Aashish Raghu
Rib fracture, Skin infection
Detailed Answer:
Hi there.
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
I have read your query and understood your problem.
Do you have any pain which taking in a deep breath ?
Do you prefer lying down on the uninjured site rather than both sides on bed ?
Do you have any fever, shortness of breath or cough ?
According to the details provided by you, it appears that your may have an undetected fracture of the ribs which is why it is still sore and tender over that site.
You also mentioned that there is a difference in the skin level over the site of injury. This could indicate presence of swelling in the region of trauma.
If you are having pain in taking deep breath, pain and discomfort on touching the injured region then it could indicate non healing of the fracture or muscle trauma and soft tissue injury.
It is advisable to splint the affected area if the skin is not abraded or ulcerated with elastic adhesive bandage. You can take over the counter anti inflammatory Medicine like Ibuprofen 200mg twice a day over a meal. This will help to reduce the pain and inflammation. Also apply ice packs to reduce inflammation.
Eat healthy and keep well hydrated. Exercise regularly.
Kindly consult your orthopedic surgeon in this regard and get examined to detect any missed fracture. X-ray may be needed.
Kindly follow up with me at any time regarding the progress.
Thanking you.
Regards,
Dr. Aashish Raghu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Dear Dr. XXXXXXX
I have no shortness of breath or fever. It is a little sore when taking a breath. Mostly sore upon touch or just sitting in the car which I did for 8 hours yesterday and day before on vacation. My chest was x-rayed in ER when it happened and another time since then when I experienced pain in chest which ended up being severe acid reflux thank heavens. Both times my chest was x-rayed thoroughly I think. But I will follow up with my orthopedic and/or primary care too. Thank you so much for your answer and thoughts.
Warm regards,
XXXX
I have no shortness of breath or fever. It is a little sore when taking a breath. Mostly sore upon touch or just sitting in the car which I did for 8 hours yesterday and day before on vacation. My chest was x-rayed in ER when it happened and another time since then when I experienced pain in chest which ended up being severe acid reflux thank heavens. Both times my chest was x-rayed thoroughly I think. But I will follow up with my orthopedic and/or primary care too. Thank you so much for your answer and thoughts.
Warm regards,
XXXX
Brief Answer:
Localised chest pain
Detailed Answer:
Hi there.
Thanks for the follow up query.
Usually localised chest pain such aggravates on touch or pressure could be due to local soft tissue damage or bone injury.
Kindly follow the advice and precautions as mentioned in my main answer to your query and do get a Surgical consult.
Thanking you.
Regards,
Dr. Aashish Raghu
Localised chest pain
Detailed Answer:
Hi there.
Thanks for the follow up query.
Usually localised chest pain such aggravates on touch or pressure could be due to local soft tissue damage or bone injury.
Kindly follow the advice and precautions as mentioned in my main answer to your query and do get a Surgical consult.
Thanking you.
Regards,
Dr. Aashish Raghu
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
