What is Rib Contusion

Rib contusion is a deep bruise on your rib area. Contusions are the result of a blunt trauma that causes bleeding and injury to the tissues under the skin.

A rib contusion may involve bruising of the ribs and of the skin and muscles in the area.

The skin over the contusion may turn blue, purple, or yellow. Minor injuries will give you a painless contusion. More severe contusions may stay painful and swollen for a few weeks.

What are the causes?

This condition is usually caused by a blow, trauma, or direct force to an area of the body. This often occurs while playing contact sports.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:

• Swelling and redness of the injured area.
• Discoloration of the injured area.
• Tenderness and soreness of the injured area.
• Pain with or without movement.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on:

• Your symptoms and medical history.
• A physical exam.
• Imaging tests—such as an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI—to determine if there were internal injuries or broken bones (fractures).

How is this treated?

This condition may be treated with:

• Rest. This is often the best treatment for a rib contusion.
• Icing. This reduces swelling and inflammation.
• Deep-breathing exercises. These may be recommended to reduce the risk for lung collapse and pneumonia.
• Medicines. Over-the-counter or prescription medicines may be given to control pain.
• Injection of a numbing medicine around the nerve near your injury (nerve block).

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Do not drive or use heavy machinery while taking prescription pain medicine.
• If you are taking prescription pain medicine, take actions to prevent or treat constipation. Your health care provider may recommend that you:
  • Drink enough fluid to keep your urine pale yellow.
  • Eat foods that are high in fiber, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and beans.
  • Limit foods that are high in fat and processed sugars, such as fried or sweet foods.
  • Take an over-the-counter or prescription medicine for constipation.

Managing pain, stiffness, and swelling

• If directed, put ice on the injured area:
  • Put ice in a plastic bag.
  • Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
  • Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times a day.
• Rest the injured area. Avoid strenuous activity and any activities or movements that cause pain. Be careful during activities and avoid bumping the injured area.
• Do not lift anything that is heavier than 5 lb (2.3 kg), or the limit that you are told, until your health care provider says that it is safe.

General instructions

• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. These can delay healing. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
• Do deep-breathing exercises as told by your health care provider.
• If you were given an incentive spirometer, use it every 1–2 hours while you are awake, or as recommended by your health care provider. This device measures how well you are filling your lungs with each breath.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if you have:

• Increased bruising or swelling.
• Pain that is not controlled with treatment.
• A fever.

Get help right away if you:

• Have difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
• Develop a continual cough or you cough up thick or bloody sputum.
• Feel nauseous or you vomit.
• Have pain in your abdomen.

Summary

• A rib contusion is a deep bruise on your rib area. Contusions are the result of a blunt trauma that causes bleeding and injury to the tissues under the skin.
• The skin overlying the contusion may turn blue, purple, or yellow. Minor injuries may give you a painless contusion. More severe contusions may stay painful and swollen for a few weeks.
• Rest the injured area. Avoid strenuous activity and any activities or movements that cause pain.