How do you know if you fractured a rib?

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing pain in your ribcage, you know it is no laughing matter. Or is it? Luckily, there are some ways to differentiate between a bruised rib and a fractured one. In this article, we’ll explore those symptoms with some humor along the way.

The Background on Your Ribs

Before we dive into the signs of fracture, let’s have a little anatomy lesson for those who may not know what ribs are (don’t worry, we won’t judge).

Your ribs consist of twelve pairs of bones: seven true and five false. What makes them true or false has nothing to do with whether they can be trusted or not; rather it depends on their connection point with the sternum.

Under normal circumstances, your ribs act as armor for vital organs like your lungs and heart- better than any bulletproof vest! But even Superman could break his ribs if he wasn’t careful

Signs of Fracture

So how do you know if that chest discomfort means more than just Rosie O’Donnell giving you an affectionate hug? Look out for:

Persistent Pain

Bruising usually subsides after a few days but fractures don’t- they stick around longer like that friend who always outlasts everyone at parties except instead being fun its misery incarnate,

Breathing Difficulties

Difficulty breathing?! Is air supposed to go in through these cracks?! Oh dear.. Fractures can cause sharp pains when inhaling because expanding our lungs puts pressure on already-injured parts.

Swelling

The area around where things got broken might bubble up like summer asphalt under scorching temperatures – swollen AND painful!

Bruising & Discoloration

While contusions show themselves as beautifully ugly bruises,behold discoloration seen from fractures can differentiate the type of injury– for instance, skin reddening and swelling indicating more severe breaks.

Crunching Sound

Bones snapping like crackers under your weight? Maybe something has gotten worse than you thought; that crunchy sound might indicate a rib fracture.

Causes of Rib Fracture

Even though Superman is fictional (like perfect love), bone-breaking injuries are not always just from fighting off villains and saving cities. Here are some common causes:

Car Accidents

You never see it coming—sometimes—the steel decides to bring itself straight into you without any warning? Those sharp bends leave little protection against those sturdy seat belts.

Sports Related Injuries

Getting tackled by an angry rhinoceros on steroids called Chad during football practice… Like trying to outrun a traffic jam!

Physical Altercations

Whether getting in the way of someone’s fist bump or being sucker punched: pick your battles this is one area where you don’t want to lose! Caveat emptor, as they say…

Diagnosis

If you think there’s even a “shred” of possibility that your ribs may be fractured, head immediately and we mean NOW to see a medical professional – this isn’t one for homely remedies unfortunately. They’ll examine whether radiologic examinations such as X-ray or CT scans need to be taken.

Treatment Options

Now comes the woes ahead- treatments aren’t often easy breezy beautiful cover girl moments either backtrests anyone?! Theres no denying breaking bones HURTS so here are multiple treatment options available:

  • Pain Medication
    Morphine ain’t just reserved for hospital beds – sometimes pills will suffice..

  • Ice Packs It’s not only used treat black eyes anymore! Though ice packs alleviate temporary pain relief but if serious seek further help medially.

  • Physical Therapy If the injury does not cripple one; physical therapy might be suggested to help recovery.

Sometimes chest binding or rib support with a brace may also improve healing time, but will often feel like being constricted in your own cage like Hannibal Lecter finally caught!

Conclusion

Wrapping up: it isn’t easy identifying if there’s an injury in the first place and treating it seems just as hard too – this ain’t no piece of cake folks!. Therefore process by going straight for attention before those cracks get worse. Fracturing your ribs won’t cramp your style for good- once recovered you’ll be able to give Chad the run around again during football games like nobody’s business!

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