Sprung rib

[Mr1470]

Anyone had this injury? Is so, can you describe symptoms please. And how did you get rid of it?

Had an on/off pain just under right ribs for a month or so now, can find a tender spot on lower ribs. Pain comes on quite suddenly, is bad enough to make me rest, then goes leaving only a dull ache for a while.

Had blood tests done yesterday 'cause doctors wanted to check virus/digestive teact problems etc, but having read about sprung rib in my sports injury book and online, quite convinced this is what I have.

[Mike T]

Not a condition I am at all familiar with - I have been waiting for others to shed some light on it - silence so far! I will do some exploring .....

[Mike T]

http://www.thecorrect.com/196.html - this seems to be an accepted definition of a "sprung rib", though some talk about where the ribs connect with the spine. Some of the lower ribs join at the front with the ribs above them, rather than with the sternum.

I would expect a history of direct injury or a sudden abrupt movement like sneezing or twisting to catch something - followed by instant localized pain/tenderness. You seem quite sure the tenderness is over the rib, rather than anything underneath it such as the liver; and the pain with exercise is presumably in the same spot, and there is no pain elsewhere. Assuming your GP has found nothing on examination other than tenderness, and the blood tests are OK, I suspect it will go with time like most of these things. You may have found a lot more about it elsewhere - I tend to learn about these conditions when I get them myself or my friends get them - none of us has had this so far.

[Mr1470]

Thanks for that Mike.

Two things that may have triggered it. Firstly lots of long distance stuff last year allied to poor posture/form? Secondly, had bout of flu in November which.ended with a severe cough and then got.another bad cough in Jan which lasted for 3 weeks.

I've wondered about liver problems as well, but the.pain does feel very close to the surface. I'll see what the blood tests say.

[Stef F]

I've had this; I had a rib out in my back for months before I went to a chiropractor to deal with post Fellsman issues and it was discovered.

It's common for rugby players, the ribs can pop out of alignment on impact. It can be pushed back into place by a chiropractor but may come out again initially, mine had to be put back twice over a six week period before it stabilised.

My symptoms were initial pain, bruises and aches and some stiffness (but as I'd fallen off my bike I just accepted this without getting a check up).

[Mr1470]

Thanks for that Stef, and others. Doc thinks it is this (although probably only 'cause I suggested it!). Just been out for my first run in 5 weeks and......it doesn't hurt when I'm running! Stopped for a couple of minutes to walk, and the pain came on. Strange!

[Flopsy]

Not had this.

.......But on the subject of ribs etc I seem to be the only person I know whose sternum cracks....you know like a knee or hip joint might crack. It's quite an alarming sound (makes hubby cringe). It doesn't hurt as such just I can feel it shift (right of centre) and it feels a bit wierd - happens ususlly when I roll over or lift up from lying down!! Anyone else? Anyone know why???

[Mike T]

Not had this.

.......But on the subject of ribs etc I seem to be the only person I know whose sternum cracks....you know like a knee or hip joint might crack. It's quite an alarming sound (makes hubby cringe). It doesn't hurt as such just I can feel it shift (right of centre) and it feels a bit wierd - happens ususlly when I roll over or lift up from lying down!! Anyone else? Anyone know why???

Presumably this is like a knuckle cracking except that it involves one of the joints between the ribs and the sternum.

[Mr1470]

The general rule of thumb, I've always been told, is a crack without pain is nowt much to worry about.

[fellrunnerreuben]

i think i read somewhere that when you crack your fingers and such things its actually nitrogen popping not bone on bone contact that makes the noise.