Bruised or broken ribs can be very painful, but usually heal by themselves.
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.
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.
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.
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.