Broken or bruised ribs
Bruised or broken ribs can be very painful, but usually heal by themselves.
Symptoms of bruised or broken ribs
Broken or bruised ribs are usually caused by a fall, a blow to the chest or severe coughing.
Symptoms include:
- strong pain in your chest area, particularly when you breathe in or cough
- swelling or tenderness around the affected ribs
- sometimes bruising on the skin
- feeling or hearing a crack if it's a broken rib
Ribs cannot be easily splinted or supported like other bones, so they're usually left to heal naturally.
There's often no need for an X-ray.
How to treat broken or bruised ribs yourself
Broken or bruised ribs usually get better by themselves within 2 to 6 weeks.
There are things you can do to help ease pain and speed up healing.
Do
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use painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen gel (or ibuprofen tablets if needed)
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hold an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a tea towel to the affected ribs regularly in the first few days to bring down swelling
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rest and take time off work if you need to
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breathe normally and cough when you need to – this helps clear mucus from your lungs to prevent chest infections
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hold a pillow against your chest if you need to cough
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walk around and sometimes move your shoulders to help you breathe and clear mucus from your lungs
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regularly take slow, deep breaths to help clear your lungs
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try to sleep more upright for the first few nights
Don’t
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do not lie down or stay still for a long time
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do not strain yourself or lift heavy objects
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do not play any sports or do any exercise that makes your pain worse
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do not smoke
Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
You have a broken or bruised rib and:
- your pain has not improved within a few weeks
- you're coughing up yellow or green mucus
- you have a very high temperature or feel hot and shivery
You might need stronger painkillers or have a chest infection that needs antibiotics.
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:
You have a broken or bruised rib and:
- your injury was caused by a serious accident, such as a car accident
- you have shortness of breath that's getting worse
- the chest pain is getting worse
- you have pain in your tummy or shoulder
- you're coughing up blood
It could mean a broken rib has damaged something else, like your lung, liver or spleen.
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring any medicines you take with you.
Page last reviewed: 10 January 2024
Next review due: 10 January 2027