Rib Sprain

Violent overstretching of one or more ligaments where ribs attach to the vertebral column in the back or the breastbone(sternum) in the front. Sprains involving two or more ligaments cause considerably more disability than single-ligament sprains. When the ligament is overstretched, it becomes tense and gives way at its weakest point, either where it attaches to bone or within the ligament itself. If
the ligament pulls loose a fragment of bone, it is called a sprain-fracture. There are 3 types of sprains:

• Mild (Grade I)- Tearing of some ligament fibers. There is no loss of function
• Moderate (Grade II)-Rupture of a portion of the ligament, resulting in some loss of function.
• Severe (Grade III)-Complete rupture of the ligament or complete separation of ligament from bone. There is total loss of function. A severe sprain requires surgical repair.

Body Parts Involved

• Ligaments attaching ribs to the vertebral column or to cartilage of the breastbone.
• Tissue surrounding the sprain, including blood vessels, tendons, bone, periosteum (covering of bone) and muscles.

Causes

Stress on a ligament, temporarily forcing or prying ligaments attached to rib out of their normal location.

Signs & Symptoms

• Severe pain at the time of injury.
• A feeling of popping or tearing at the injury site.
• Swelling and tenderness over the injury.
• Bruising that appears soon after injury.
• Pain when rotating the body, coughing, sneezing or breathing deeply.

Treatment

Note:- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.

First Aid

Continuing Care

• If your doctor fits you with an elastic wrap, rib binder, continue to use it for pain and support-usually 4 to 6 weeks.
• Use an ice pack 3 or 4 times a day. Wrap ice chips or cubes in a plastic bag. Wrap the bag in moist towel, and place it over the injured area.
  Use for 20 minutes at a time.
• After 72 hours, apply heat instead of ice If It feels better. Use heat lamps, hot soaks, hot showers, heating pads, or heat liniments or ointments.
• Take whirlpool treatments, if available.
• Massage gently and often to provide comfort and decrease swelling.

Medication

• For minor discomfort, you may use:

Aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen. .

Topical liniments and ointments.

• Your doctor may prescribe:

Stronger pain relievers.

Injection of a long-acting local anesthetic to reduce pain.

Injection of a corticosteroid such as triamcinolone to reduce inflammation.

Home Diet

Diagnostic Measures

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and exam by a doctor.
• X-rays of the ribs and injury site to rule out fractures.

Prevention Tips

• Build your strength with a conditioning program appropriate for your sport.
• Warm up before practice or competition.
• Wear protective equipment appropriate your sport.