How long before a rib fracture stops hurting?

Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
Updated on October 21, 2024
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Regarding the question of how long it takes for rib fractures to stop hurting, usually, for patients with rib fractures, the pain gradually subsides after about two weeks. This is because around two weeks is the period when the fracture site reaches the fibrous connection stage, making it relatively stable, which therefore alleviates the pain. For patients with rib fractures in the early stages, if the diagnosis is clear, severe pain can be relieved by orally taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or by receiving pain relief injections. Additionally, it is crucial to closely monitor the vital signs of patients with rib fractures, as rib fractures often occur alongside lung contusions and the accumulation of fluid or air in the chest cavity. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Luo Peng
Thoracic Surgery
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How painful is a rib fracture?

How painful is a rib fracture? Personally, I have never experienced a fracture, but I have treated many patients with rib fractures. I can say that most rib fractures are very painful, especially those where the fracture site stimulates the nerve, causing severe pain, even unbearable enough to make one cry out. Generally speaking, with rib fractures, most people are in so much pain that they dare not cough or even take deep breaths. Some patients can barely get up once lying down, as any movement during the process can cause intense pain. There are also cases where patients have difficulty lying back down after getting up, experiencing significant pain in the process. Essentially, any activity that involves moving the fractured area is avoided due to the pain, which highlights how painful rib fractures can be.

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Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
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How is a fracture treated?

The treatment of fractures involves three main principles: reduction, fixation, and functional exercise. First and foremost, a perfect reduction is required after a fracture. If the alignment of the fracture is not satisfactory, the fracture may require either closed or open reduction. After a successful closed reduction, if the fracture position is stable, fixation should be considered. Generally, following a successful closed reduction, a local application of a cast or splint can be done for external fixation. If the results of closed reduction are not satisfactory, surgical open reduction may be needed. In such cases, internal fixation, possibly with steel plates, steel pins, or intramedullary nails among other methods, is necessary. These first two points cover the need for reduction and effective fixation—including both external and internal fixation. After proper fixation, the fracture can gradually heal. During the healing process, active functional exercises are needed to prevent muscle atrophy and joint adhesion. To avoid disuse of the limb, muscle atrophy after removing the cast, whether it be a leg or an arm, functional exercises are imperative. Thus, the three principles of fracture treatment are reduction, fixation, and functional exercise, requiring professional care by medical experts in accredited hospitals.

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Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
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How to care for a rib fracture

For a rib fracture, first, the patient should pay attention to rest. Local effective and secure external fixation should be done. You can tie a chest band or a rib fixation band on the affected area to stabilize the fracture, which can effectively relieve pain and is beneficial for the healing and growth of the fracture. Then, in terms of diet, it is important to consume high-protein, high-energy, high-nutrient, low-fat, and easily digestible food, such as fish, milk, eggs, lean meat, shrimp shells, and some fresh vegetables. These foods are rich in nutrients and also contain a lot of calcium, which helps the healing of fractures. This is the method of recuperation for a rib fracture.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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How is a fracture treated?

For the treatment of fractures, we first need to determine the type of fracture. First, whether the alignment of the fracture is appropriate, and whether there is any obvious displacement; second, whether it is a comminuted fracture; third, whether the fracture ends have affected the joint surface. If the alignment of the fracture is very good, doesn’t involve the joint surface, and is not comminuted, then conservative treatment, such as plastering or splinting, can lead to a full recovery. If the fracture is comminuted, comes with obvious misalignment, and also involves the joint surface, then surgical treatment should be considered. Conservative treatment under these circumstances might result in certain disabilities, thus surgery is recommended.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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Symptoms of toe fracture

The symptoms of a toe fracture primarily include pain, swelling, and limited mobility. If there is a noticeable displacement of the fracture ends, a typical deformity can also occur. For the treatment of toe fractures, conservative treatment such as casting or using a brace may be sufficient if it is a simple linear fracture without significant misalignment of the fracture ends. However, if there is substantial shortening, rotation, separation, or if the fracture is comminuted, surgical treatment is required. During surgery, the fracture ends are repositioned through an incision. After repositioning, a Kirschner wire is used to internally fixate the fracture ends, allowing the bone to heal in the proper alignment without leaving any deformity. This describes the surgical treatment method.