Broken and bruised ribs are different injuries.
With a broken rib, the bone has beenfracturedeither particularly or completely.
A “bruised” rib means the supportive muscles and tissues around yourribcagehave been injured.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
Both bruised and broken ribs can cause pain, especially when you breathe in.
Without a proper diagnosis, it can sometimes be difficult to tell one from the other.
This article compares broken and bruised ribs.
Illustration by Cindy Chung, Verywell
Whats the Difference Between Bruised and Broken Ribs?
The term may also be applied to a broken sternum.
Fracture types include:
What Are the Symptoms of Bruised and Broken Ribs?
A bruised or broken rib can be extremely painful and harder to manage than other broken bones.
Or, you may feel like something popped in your chest.
The unusual appearance can be a sign that you’ve broken more than one rib.
A major rib injury can lead to a condition called aflail chest.
When this happens, your chest movements will be opposite to what they should be when you breathe.
The abdominal wall moves in when taking a breath and moves out when exhaling, referred to asparadoxical breathing.
It is a medical emergency usually resulting from severe trauma like a car accident.
When to Call 911
Some rib fractures are potentially life-threatening.
It usually happens when a person avoids coughing because it hurts too much.
Rib injuries are not usually life-threatening on their own, but they can lead to serious complications.
How Are Bruised or Broken Ribs Diagnosed?
Rib injuries can often be diagnosed based on your symptoms and a physical exam.
Unlike an arm or a leg, a broken rib cannot be set or put into a cast.
That means the main treatment for rib injuries is time.
It typically takes between four and six weeks for bruised or broken ribs to heal.
Some breaks may take longer.
Ample rest is essential.
Broken ribs involve fractures of the bones of the rib and sternum.
The treatment involves time, rest, and pain management.
You need immediate medical care if you have “red flag” symptoms.
Even if you are initially evaluated and symptoms worsen, you should be reevaluated.
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