bruised ribs

Gypsy · 02-09-2021, 18:28

So this past Friday I had the unfortunate experience of slipping on ice/snow and falling hard in my complex lot.

Busted lip (healing well, was maybe 5 times normal size) terribly bruised knees and scraped skin (x-rays revealed no fractures thankfully, just mild arthritis

) and bruised ribs.

It could really have been a lot worse, grateful nothing was broken and I didn't loose any teeth.

Any tips at all for some relief with the bruised ribs? I know there isn't much that can be done, I am currently using topical Arnica gel which is helping slightly. Taking Aleve as needed and directed.

Thanks in advance.

Sacamuelas · 02-09-2021, 18:47

well... we could have made an excellent oral-maxillofacial trauma thread if you just would have tried a little harder on the fall.

Glad you are on the mend. Honestly, I have never heard of much in the way of palliative care that helps with your soreness other than NSAIDs and minimizing movement. Try not to cough or sneeze to prevent "fireworks".

tonyz · 02-09-2021, 18:55

Glad you are ok.

When you are off the Aleve...perhaps a little whiskey might help.

Gypsy · 02-09-2021, 19:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonyz

...perhaps a little whiskey might help.

That's a plan, I knew I liked you.

**Joker** · 02-09-2021, 21:57

To add to the list that Sacamuelas said (from first-hand bruised and broke ribs experience), don't laugh. That is especially difficult if you work with assclown comics like I did...

ender18d · 02-10-2021, 00:34

Note that even dedicated rib films are not perfect at picking up fractures, so the line between bruised and broken can be blurry when it comes to ribs. We don’t usually do a dedicated CT because there is no difference in management. I only mention this because it may take longer to resolve than a typical bruise.

Topical lidocaine patches tend to work fairly well for this application in my experience, and topical nsaids are also a good option especially if you don’t tolerate oral Nsaids for some reason.

Gypsy · 02-09-2021, 19:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sacamuelas

well... we could have made an excellent oral-maxillofacial trauma thread if you just would have tried a little harder on the fall.

Glad you are on the mend. Honestly, I have never heard of much in the way of palliative care that helps with your soreness other than NSAIDs and minimizing movement. Try not to cough or sneeze to prevent "fireworks".

LOL damnit I'm so selfish! Thanks much!

rsdengler · 02-10-2021, 10:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gypsy

So this past Friday I had the unfortunate experience of slipping on ice/snow and falling hard in my complex lot.

Busted lip (healing well, was maybe 5 times normal size) terribly bruised knees and scraped skin (x-rays revealed no fractures thankfully, just mild arthritis

) and bruised ribs.

It could really have been a lot worse, grateful nothing was broken and I didn't loose any teeth.

Any tips at all for some relief with the bruised ribs? I know there isn't much that can be done, I am currently using topical Arnica gel which is helping slightly. Taking Aleve as needed and directed.

Thanks in advance.

Oohhh sorry to hear that, I hope you are feeling alright. I slipped down my stairs the other day, knee gave out and I landed right on my derriere and elbow. I just took ibuprofen and rubbed my bum nothing more I could do. Good thing you didn't have anything broken. I Hope you are feeling better soon.

JJ_BPK · 02-10-2021, 10:24

Prayers for a quick recovery..

Old Dog New Trick · 02-10-2021, 10:31

Sorry to hear that, hope for speedy and full recovery. Especially sensitive right now with ‘Rona-19 bug don’t get a respiratory infection so stay healthy!!!

Second what ender18d said about Lidocaine patches and NSAIDS and I believe using an Ace wrap is still acceptable...snug but not so tight as to restrict normal breathing. Helps with the occasional laughing your family will put you through.

cbtengr · 02-10-2021, 12:04

Sorry to hear about your fall glad it was no worse than it was. Best I can do is wish you you a speedy recovery. Take care!

**Eagle5US** · 02-10-2021, 16:05

Bruised vs Broken...treatment is the same.

Tincture of time.

4 weeks for your “bone cloud” to form to heal them, 6 weeks for it to feel “better”

Outside of Ibuprophen, Salonpas 4% lidocaine patches give a fair amount of relief.

Rx patches are 5% and would run you $120 for 4...

Contrast that with $18 for 5. You get the picture.

Do deep breathing exercises so you don’t developed a pneumonia...time my friend.