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Rehabilitation

Possible bruised or fractured rib

03/13/2006

Question:

My wife while placing our sleeping granddaughter down in her crib, leaned over the railing of the crib. The railing pressed hard against her right front chest under where she had had her mastectomy. She feels she bruised her rib(s) on that side--hurts significantly when she bends down, reaches up, and turns in bed. Pain has lasted 7 days with no relief, even after taking 800 mgs of ibuprofen once per day. Is it possible she broke a rib or bruised it or tore a muscle?

Answer:

The wise thing for her to do would be to see a physician. They can perform an x ray to determine whether there is a break int he bone. Ibuprofen will simply alleviate the pain, but may not "cure" what the actual problem is.

In the future, when these types of problems arise, she should see a physician as soon as possible.

For more information:

Go to the Rehabilitation health topic, where you can:

Response by:

Stephen J Page, PhD Stephen J Page, PhD
Director of Research, Associate Professor
Drake Center
University of Cincinnati