Cracked/bruised Ribs

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rf_fozzy Jul 2016 2:16pm, 3 Jul 2016 7,855 posts	0 rf_fozzy What are the signs of a cracked rib? Managed to run into a pole with a street sign on it (one of those that tells you parking regulations) at pace whilst Orienteering this morning and have a bruise where I hit the pole on the left hand side of my chest. It's not excruciatingly painful when I breathe, but I can definitely feel it.
Sharkie Jul 2016 2:35pm, 3 Jul 2016 9,418 posts	0 Sharkie This won't be much help, fozzy - but basically it's very difficult to tell! It was thought I cracked two ribs high jumping but phys said no point in an x-ray. I remember very restricted movement, especially forward flexion and back extension... and it certainly hurt. Laughing's no joke either!
Bintmcskint Jul 2016 5:59pm, 3 Jul 2016 30,652 posts	0 Bintmcskint Sounds like you've bruised a rib to me. I have a lot of previous with ribs! Cracked ribs mean breathing, sneezing, laughing, lying down on your side etc are all excruciatingly painful. Bruised is similar just not quite as painful. They heal by themselves in 4-6 weeks. Take it easy!
MH Jul 2016 7:18pm, 3 Jul 2016 385 posts	0 MH I've also had quite a lot of previous with ribs too and can echo what Bintmcskint has said, and as Sharkie has advised they rarely Xray them now. You may have bruised a rib
rf_fozzy Jul 2016 7:32pm, 3 Jul 2016 7,857 posts	0 rf_fozzy Yeah, the pain has eased somewhat over the day, so think bruised rather than broken. Got a lovely mark that I think is going to be a hefty bruise tomorrow. Thanks for the reassurance.