Overstretching of the bones and cartilage or trauma involving the rib cage can result to a torn rib cartilage. The rib cage is composed of bone and cartilage which is connected to the front of the ribs that helps in expanding the chest when breathing and moving.
Symptoms of a torn rib cartilage
- The diaphragm connects to the lower ribs during breathing, coughing or sneezing can trigger pain.
- Pain on the site of the torn rib cartilage. There is usually constant pain for a few weeks which depends on the severity of the trauma.
- There is bruising on the affected area. If the tear as caused by a strong blow to chest, it will result to swelling.
- Clicking, popping or grinding sounds especially when taking a deep breath.
- Breathing is shallow than the normal
Seek medical help to ensure that there is no damage to the internal organs.
Treatment
- Take plenty of rest especially the affected area for fast healing of the injury. Avoid sharp and unnecessary movements for at least 6 weeks and do not participate in sports or other strenuous activities.
- Immediately after the injury, apply an ice pack on the area to lessen the inflammation and swelling. Apply an ice pack during the first 24 hours after sustaining the injury. Avoid applying the ice pack directly on the area. Wrap it with a towel and apply on the area for at least 20-30 minutes every 3-4 hours.
- Take the prescribed anti-inflammatory medication or analgesic to lessen the inflammation and pain caused by the torn rib cartilage.
- Use heat to lessen the pain and discomfort in the chest. Apply a warm towel or use a heating pad for at least 10-15 minutes several times throughout the day. Heat increases the blood circulation in the affected area and promotes fast healing of the condition.
- Seek the help of a physical therapist for guided exercises so that the individual can learn how to move and resume normal activities without worsening the symptoms.
- Wear a rib belt to compress the rib cage to minimize the swelling especially when breathing, coughing, sneezing and laughing. It is an elastic strap and about 8 inches wide which wraps around the rib cage. In addition, it also lessens the pain during every day movement.
- Consume a glass of ginger tea every day for a couple of months. Ginger has a compound known as gingerols that lessens the inflammation and pain and promotes fast healing of the condition.
Tips
Injuries to the rib cage are considered serious. With this in mind, it is vital to seek medical care immediately if rib-related injuries are suspected. Multiple ribs can be involved and can result to difficulty breathing.
The affected person has to be examined to ensure that the internal organs are not damaged. Heart disease also causes chest pain similar to a torn rib cartilage. If the individual starts to experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, sweating, dizziness and pain in the jaw, it is vital to seek medical help immediately.
FACT CHECK
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/rib-injuries
https://www.epainassist.com/chest-pain/ribs/rib-cartilage-injury-or-rib-cartilage-fracture
https://www.summitmedicalgroup.com/library/adult_health/sma_rib_injury/