How serious is a bruised rib, and how can you tell if you have one?

Question

How serious is a bruised rib, and how can you tell if you have one?

Answer 1

Not very serious.  Ribs are designed as a protective cage.  

If it hurts right on the rib, you see some discoloration/swelling at or directly below the rib you most likely have a bruised rib.  And a history of  direct impact, squeezing or other trauma to the ribs.

Even broken ribs are generally not serious as the muscles and cartilage holds them in place while they heal all by themselves 97% of the time.