How do you tell if you cracked/broke your rib?

Question

I was at gymnastics yesterday and we have the metal bar where you do flips and what not and when I went to come down and land I hit my ribs on the bar and the beam. I've been having really bad pains in my ribs since yesterday I'm scared to go to the hospital because I have a fear of them. My entire rib area is black blue and yellow from bruises I can't lay on my stomach like I always do because it's so sore.

My parents think I may have cracked and I'd really rather not go to the hospital if I don't have to. Would having a hard time breathing and not being able to lay on my chest mean cracked or broken ribs?

Answer 1

You probably did and need to go to he dr and get evaluated. Don't be afraid! the most you would need to have done most likely is have an x-ray. You need to find out the severity of your injury and  the best way to treat it to make sure you heal properly. Unfortunately cracked ribs are hard to heal but a dr can tape them in a way that will make it much less painful for you. it may be just severe bruising or a muscle pull but you really need to be sure. Good luck!

Answer 2

With a broken rib, the pain gets worse when bending and twisting the body.

The problem with not getting to your Doctor is the fractured rib could potentially injure your diaphragm. Even a small crack could inflame a tendon.

Your right, there really isn't any treatment. Pain can lead to reduced movement and cough supression. It could take weeks before you are comfortable.

Answer 3

You may have cracked or broken them, but the thing is, even if you go to the hospital, they can't do anything for them other than give you pain killer and tell you to rest. So if you're in pain you can get painkillers. If it IS broken you should be able to feel the split in your bone, i have a couple and i can feel them.. If they've actually broken, you should likely go, as it could be putting pressure or pointy ends on your internal organs and you can actually drown in your own blood.

It may also just be bruised, which happens often.. It has the same effects, but will clear up quicky.

Wait no longer than a week, and if it doesnt start to clear up, or if it gets worse, or you have trouble breathing, head to the doctor. If the pain decreases and the bruise starts to go away by next week you shouldn't need to go to the doctor.

Just lay in bed and enjoy :)

Answer 4

Yes most likely you have a cracked rib. The shortness of breath is usually caused by cracked ribs. Honestly when I cracked my rib i went to the hospital got an xray and they confirmed I have cracked my rib and that's it. The do not do anything for broken or cracked ribs anymore they heal on them self's. I would take aspirin for the pain of some sort of pain re leavers. (check with parents if your young!) But yes it sounds like it and the hospitals don't do anything for ribs anymore unless there is something more serious. but you should check it out becuase broken ribs can somtimes punture your lungs or put pressue on your ribs cuaseing shortness of breath.

Answer 5

It hurts when you sneeze, lift heavy objects, or cough.  I broke a rib once!

Answer 6

if your chest hurts

hard to lift objects without feelin pain

?? I dunno really, but if it was metal it is probally broken

Answer 7

The only way to know, have a x-ray. Best of Luck

Answer 8

Are you scared of drowning in your own blood? Go to the hospital and get it checked out, you could puncture a lung.