Argh, what a pain! (Literally).
I played football on Sunday, and right at the start of the match I collided with the goalkeeper, who’s knee stuck me plum in the ribcage directly where my heart was. Whilst my heart is fine, my movement and my breathing has become somewhat painful. Leaving two days rest, I stupidly went to football training last night and aggravated my injury, causing me to rest for a short period.
Today I feel a little better, I have done some internet research and deducted it could take upto 4 weeks to heal…..I have until Sunday!
Here is what I found:
How do you treat bruised ribs? The only way for bruised ribs to heal is with time. You can minimize the pain by taking an over the counter pain reliever. You can ice the affected area to minimize swelling if needed.
Bruised ribs and a costochondral separation usually take 3 to 4 weeks to heal. Broken ribs take 6 to 8 weeks to heal.
So there you have it, lets hope it’s not too bad eh? 
edit: Although most doctors and parents will never give advise this, I recommend taking two Ibruprofen and two Paracetamol to help with the pain and the healing process. The Ibruprofen works as an anti-inflamatory and the Paracetamol works to help neutralise the pain. I did this before playing football and it helped immensely.
edit2: I have noticed that MSN and Google search queries have brought you to this blog. When it comes to rib injuries, it is always best to see your local doctor and get them looked at by a professional. After two weeks healing time, my ribs no longer hurt and there is only a minor discomfort when sneezing.
Have you found better ways to treat yourself? If so leave a message!
October 5th, 2006 at 3:36 am
I remember something like that happening in a bicycle accident when I was about 10 years old. OMFG that was some of the worst pain I’d ever felt! Yes, it does make breathing and leaning over very difficult, as every move you make causes the ribs to flex and irritate the injury. Best bet is just to give it a couple of days of rest and take it easy.
October 5th, 2006 at 10:47 am
It is now more of an annoyance that outright pain. I am foolish when it comes to injuries and I always try and get back into sport quicker than I should. In this case I went to football training (for a mates team) again last night but this time it was fine. I was more prepared to hand people off than use my body to keep them from advancing.
I did slap quite a bit of deep heat on also, that might have helped.
May 20th, 2008 at 9:05 am
I cracked mine before, and that was enough pain for me.
Couldn’t lay on my side, laugh and cough was a lot of pain, and general moving.
No actual bruising though on my skin though.
Took about a month or so before I got back in training, and even then it still hurt like a bitch.
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June 20th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
hi, yeah im 15 and ive just had a similar incident, i was at school today and at lunch a rugby ball was booted in the air and as i was standing to catch it, someone else came flying in and kneed me directley in te ribs by the heart (it was totally accidental) and since then it has been hurting whilst laughing, playing sports and sneezing. I think i’ve just bruised them as i feel ok sitting down, what do you suggest i do?
June 25th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Hi Callum,
Firstly, speak to your doctor and get some professional advice. In the meantime, apply ice to the area to bring out the swelling. Take some Ibuprofen to lessen the swelling even more and to help with the pain.
You may have broken something or fractured it, seek your GP’s advice
Good luck!
September 10th, 2008 at 11:44 pm
Getting kneed in the ribs was probably the worst thing that has happened to me in football for a long time…i was winded so bad i couldnt breath for bout 30 seconds!! (longest 30 seconds ever by the way!)
Went to my gp on the monday after the saturday and recommended i have the week off work…has been beneficial cause ive jus been layed up in bed not moving really or aggravating it.
been taking prescribed codeine phosphate to treat the pain and ibuprofen…hoping to play saturday but hearing the time it takes to heal completely, im gutted…cause i cant see me risking it.if there is something i can do help stop the pain or strap up my ribs in some way to play this game i would!! any ideas??hopefullly it wont be so painful by saturday!!
September 11th, 2008 at 9:44 am
Mike,
You could try strapping them to see if it relieves the pressure.
If the doctor has signed you off, use the time to rest, I wouldnt come back too quick. I did and I was in so much pain.
September 30th, 2008 at 10:04 am
I landed on my ribs 2 years ago during football and was in immense pain for weeks. I thought the ribs had healed but it has reoccured in the same place when I make a strong challenge in football. weird